Adult

God and Our Destiny

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 1987

COMBN

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If your church is small and must combine

cradle roll, kindergarten, and primary

Sabbath School divisions, you'll be glad to

know that now there's a special edition of

Program Helps

designed just for this

situation.

Covering one full year of the three-year

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Combined Program Helps for the Small

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offers more than just programs. You'll

find information on how to work with cradle

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List for each quarter, sections on do-it-yourself visual aids, offering devices and illustrations,

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Order now through your Sabbath School secretary or from your Adventist Book Center.

Combined Program Helps for the Small Church,

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SPV31\114 SCH0Ou OEPN

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Contents

How to Understand Prophecy

Survival of the Holiest

Judgment and Mercy

Worldly Powers and a Heavenly Court

Revealer of Mysteries

World Powers Oppose God's Truth

Able to the Uttermost

10.

Keys to Understanding

The High Price of Pride

11.

Michael, Your Prince

Weighed and Found Wanting

12.

A Prophecy Without Symbols

13.

The Time of the End

The Adult Sabbath School Lessons are prepared by the Department of Church Ministries of

the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the lessons is under

the general direction of a worldwide Sabbath School Lesson Committee, the members of

which serve as consulting editors. The published lesson quarterly reflects the input of the

committee and thus does not solely or necessarily represent the intent of the authors.

Editorial Offices: 6840 Eastern Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20012

Lesson Author: G. Arthur Keough

Editor: Leo R. Van Dolson

Assistant Editor: Charlotte Ishkanian

Marketing: Bob Kyte

Sales Office: Shirley Sayers

Art and Design: Pacific Press

Scripture references other than from the King James Version quoted by permission in this quarterly are as follows:

NIV.

From The

New International Version,

permission.

RSV.

From the

Revised Standard Version,

Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and used by permission.

Adult Sabbath School Lessons (standard edition). (USPS 702-480). Published quarterly by

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One year subscription in U.S.A., $4.10; single copy, $1.25. One year subscription to

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Adult Sabbath School Lessons (USPS 702-480)/No. 367 / January-March 1987

FAMILY

oes the "Great Giving

Debate" ever happen in your

home? With so many worthy

causes all clamoring for our

support, is there any way to

give equitably?

've

been a Student

Missionary and

I want to give to

our educational

work overseas.

My Personal

Giving Plan tr=,,,,

Irbtid

Now T eret a Solution

Well, my heart

goes out to hungry

children and I

want to support

Disaster and

Famine Relief.

rHE GREAT

*BATE

s! The solution is

led the Personal Giving

n. Some think of it as One-

eck Giving. If every Sab-

h School member set aside

3 3 percent of his income

the World Budget Offering,

basic needs of Adventist

is ions and ministries

and the world would all be

any couples are find-

ing the Personal Giving Plan

a simple way to calculate their

regular offerings. One-Check

Giving can be budgeted,

along with tithe. And with the

satisfaction of knowing you've

done your part to support

God's work—in every corner

of the world.

Meet the Author

of This Quarter's Lessons

Dr. G. Arthur Keough fits the appellation "a gentleman and

a scholar"; he holds degrees from six colleges and universi-

ties. After completing requirements to receive his ministerial

diploma and teacher certification in England, Dr. Keough

traveled to the United States to attend Washington Mission-

ary College and SDA Theological Seminary, where he com-

pleted a master's degree in church history. He earned de-

grees from the University of London and the School of

Oriental and African Studies of London University, where he

majored in Arabic language and Islamics.

Dr. Keough received recognition from the General Confer-

ence for fifty years of teaching. He founded and was presi-

dent of Middle East College in Beirut, Lebanon, served as

educational department secretary for the Middle East Union,

was professor and chairman of the department of religion,

Columbia Union College.

Besides teaching, Dr. Keough has written six books, four

to accompany adult Sabbath School lessons, including

In-

sights from the Book of Daniel.

He also wrote teacher's aids

for three other quarterlies.

Dr. Keough was born in Egypt to pioneer missionary par-

ents, was ordained in Jerusalem, and resides with his wife,

Dora Whiting, in Takoma Park, Maryland. The Keoughs have

four grown children.

Watch for information from your ABC for the companion study book

by the lesson author.

Introduction to the Book of Daniel

God and Our

Desfiny

Why is the book of Daniel so fascinat ng? For one thing, it tells us of Hebrew

youth who remained loyal to God in spite of being taken into captivity. Their

experiences offer insights into the way we should react when we find ourselves

in difficult circumstances and are tempted to compromise our faith.

At the same time, the book is full of interesting dreams, visions, and interpre-

tations. These outline the course and goal of history, the rise and fall of great

empires, God's involvement in human affairs, how God's people may be op-

pressed, and yet how all things

work out for the best. When the Judge of the

earth takes matters into His own hands truth will triumph and wickedness will be

destroyed. If we want to know the destiny of the human race, if we want to know

where we are in the stream of time, we must become acquainted with the proph-

ecies of Daniel.

Ellen White has said: "Read the Book of Daniel. . . . The light that Daniel

received from God was given especially for these last days. . . . These matters

are of infinite importance.

"—Testimonies to Ministers,

pp. 112-116.

With such encouragement, we begin our study of the book of Daniel. It is

relevant to our times. It contains truths that we need to learn and apply to our

lives.

Overview of the Book of Daniel

Chapters

1-6

God's Messages

to Literal Babylon

Chapters

7-12

God's Messages

About Spiritual

Babylon

Gospel portrayed in

faithful witness

Daniel's first

vision of nations

and judgment

Nebuchadnezzar's

dream

Daniel's second

vision of nations

and judgment

Nebuchadnezzar's

attempt to change

the future

Prayer for under-

standing and

added explanation

of second vision

Nebuchadnezzar's

conversion

Babylon judged

10-12

Daniel's third

vision of

nations and

judgment

Witness to Medo-

Persia

from Babylon

Adult

Lesson

ire

[low to Understand

prophecy

THIS WEEK'S STUDY: An overview of Bible prophecy.

MEMORY TEXT: "Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be

established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper" (2 Chron.

20:20).

g'713

CENTRAL THOUGHT:

God has not left the world or His people without

warning and guidance. He has sent His prophets to warn of danger and to point

out the true way. From the Bible we learn that God has been active in history.

Indeed, He has been active in the life of every individual. We need to be grateful

for His protection and His showers of blessing. But in a special sense in these

last days, we can be grateful for the words and the writings of the prophets that

warn of danger and point the way to eternal safety.

LESSON OUTLINE:

I. The Principle of Prophecy: God keeps in touch.

An effective means of communication.

Distinguishing the true from the false.

The prophets were called from every walk of life.

II. The Prophetic Ministry: A gift of the Spirit.

Prophecy as preaching.

Prophecy as prediction and evidence of inspiration.

III. Keys to Understanding Bible Prophecy:

Must recognize Christ at the center.

Must recognize signs and symbols.

Must recognize that some prophecies are conditional.

INTRODUCTION:

By its very nature prophecy assumes that God can and

does communicate with humanity. Naturally this concept is not popular with

those who deny the existence of a personal God, nor is it acceptable to those who

believe that God created the universe like a gigantic machine, then left it to run

according to the principles He established at the beginning.

The Bible alone can give us a true record of how God has communicated with

the people of this earth. It soon becomes evident that God has communicated in

many ways and at various times through prophets, and supremely through the

greatest of the prophets—His Son (Heb. 1:1-3). In fact, Christ is at the center of

the prophetic revelations. We fail to understand prophecy if we do not see Jesus

as the promised Messiah, the High Priest who offered Himself as a sacrifice, and

the coming Judge and King.

I. THE PRINCIPLE OF PROPHECY: GOD KEEPS IN TOUCH.

Imagine what the world would be like if God made no attempt to keep in

touch with those living on Planet Earth. If that were so, which of the follow-

ing items would you miss most? Number them 1-5 in their order of impor-

tance to you:

ou would have no Bible.

ou would not know how the universe came into being.

ou would not know why sin and suffering are in the world.

ou would not know about the plan of salvation.

ou would have no idea of what would happen in the future.

1. An Effective Means of Communication.

The Bible provides a record of how God has been in touch with the human

race. He spoke face to face with our first parents in the Garden of Eden. But sin

brought separation. (See Isa. 59:2.) This does not mean that the lines of commu-

nication are cut off; it only means that God has had to use intermediate agents.

Because of sin human beings cannot at present see God and live. (See Ex.

33:20.)

One mark of God's love is that He continues to communicate with sinful be-

ings. In His mercy He has given the human race one chance after another to

repent and accept the plan of salvation. In His efforts to save the fallen race God

continues to speak through the prophets to present His plans and purposes.

THINK IT THROUGH: Do we appreciate as we ought what God has done

for us? How can we show our appreciation in a tangible way?

SEARCH AND LEARN: God approaches men and women in the best way

possible in order to present His message. After reading the following texts

indicate below some of the methods God has used:

Gen. 19:15



Gen. 37:5-11; 41:1-32



Ps. 19:1, 2; Rom. 1:18, 19



Heb. 1:1; Amos 3



God has used other ways to reach people, but His supreme act of revelation

and communication was in and through Jesus Christ. (See Heb. 1:2; John 14:9.)

Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to assist us in the process of understanding

God's communications. (See John 14:26; 16:13.) Through the Holy Spirit

prophecy comes to life and takes on meaning. Because intelligence alone cannot

reveal the hidden nuggets of spiritual truth, prayer is the essential method of

beginning our study of Scripture.



2. Distinguishing the True From the False.

We already have noted that sin is a barrier to communication. Sin made us

enemies of God. (See Col. 1:21.) But that enmity has been taken away by the

death of Christ on the cross. (See 2 Cor. 5:19.) However, the promptings of our

TRUE

lower nature still get in the way of our taking full advantage of reading Scripture

and profiting from the inspired writings of Ellen White. Some traits that cause

people to be deaf to God's messages are: pride of intellect, pride in educational

achievement, undue pride in family traditions and attachments, stubbornness in

holding personal views and interpretations, and riches.

THINK IT THROUGH: What other hindrances can you think of that keep

you from understanding fully what God wishes to

say?

Another problem that faces the seeker after truth is that there are false proph-

ets as well as true ones. How can we distinguish one from the other? As we all

know, the counterfeit is so much like the original that even experts are deceived

sometimes.

SEARCH AND LEARN: After reading the following texts, indicate in the

space provided below how the false can be differentiated from the true:

Deut. 13:1-3



Deut. 18:22; Jer. 28



Matt. 7:15-20



Because we live in a world where there are many conflicting claims as to the

right way to interpret Bible prophecy we need the grace of God and the guidance

of the Holy Spirit to preserve us from deception. In order to be able to recognize

error we need to be well grounded in truth.

ILLUMINATION:

"Only those who have been diligent students of the Scrip-

tures and who have received the love of the truth will be shielded from the pow-

erful delusion that takes the world captive."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 625.

The Prophets Were Called From Every Walk of Life.

Some of the prophets, like Isaiah and Daniel, were from the nobility. Others,

like Jeremiah, were from the priesthood. Deborah was a judge. Elisha was

plowing with twelve yoke of oxen when he was called.

SEARCH AND LEARN: Read the texts indicated below, then note the oc-

cupations and characteristics of some of those who were called to be proph-

ets:

Noah (Gen 6:8, 9, 14, 22)



Abraham (Gen. 13:2-4; Heb. 7:4; 11:8-10)



3. Moses (Num. 12:3; Heb. 11:24-26)



Miriam (Ex. 15:20, 21)



John the Baptist (Matt. 3:1-6; 11:7-11)



The prophets and prophetesses were called to serve God in special circum-

stances. They were God's servants; they were His mouthpiece. Therefore their

messages are important, carrying the authority of heaven. Jesus recognized that

honor is due a prophet. (See Matt. 10:41.) When we recognize that the prophets

spoke in the context of their times and culture we will not be surprised to find

that the prophets used different languages and reflected their culture in their

imagery. They would not be human if they did not do so. But they were passing

on a message from God; they were speaking for God. We must read their mes-

sages with care, recognizing their origin.

What is the significance of the term used to designate prophets in

1 Sam. 9:9?

The use of this term served as a recognition that the prophet could see things

that the ordinary person could not see. It was not a matter of natural ability; it

was because they were in touch with the One who sees all things, and who can

reveal what needs to be revealed. A Hebrew term for prophet was

Nabi,

that is,

one who spoke under the inspiration of God. The Greek word from which we

have derived our English word

prophet

means one who makes an announcement

that is a revelation from God, or reveals that which is hidden in the sense that it

cannot be proved by the reasoning processes, or predicts the future. In our study

of the Book of Daniel we shall find that Daniel saw and heard things which have

been written down for our learning.

In view of what has been said about a prophet, why is it not possible for

people themselves to choose to be genuine prophets? Jer. 1:5; 1 Cor. 12:10,

11.

There are many occupations that a person can choose for himself, but being a

prophet is not one of them. It is God who calls, God who gives the message, and

God who sees to it that the message is delivered as He wants it delivered. With

all this in mind we need to give the prophets our deepest respect and attention.

WED

II. PROPHETIC MINISTRY: A GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Having looked at the prophet as a person and studied his characteristics, let us

look at the way the prophet exercised his calling.

1. Prophecy as Preaching.

Although we often think of prophecy in terms of prediction, the prophet did

not always foretell future events. In fact, there were many prophets who, as far

as we know, prophesied without predicting. God called Abraham a prophet.

(See Gen. 20:7.) But we have no record of Abraham predicting the future. Such

prophets prophesied in the sense that they spoke or witnessed to their generation.

They spoke against the evil of their day, and urged that reforms be made.

Can you think of other prophets whose lives and messages were influen-

tial in their time, but who did not make predictions? Be prepared to discuss

them as opportunity may arise in class discussion next Sabbath.

2. Prophecy as Prediction and Evidence of Inspiration.

Divine prediction is not given in order to satisfy human curiosity regarding the

future. When God, through the prophets, draws aside the curtains and allows

human beings to peer into the future, He does so in order to create trust in Him-

self. He wants us to see that He is in control of events as they happen, and that

His plans and purposes for the world are working out. Such control does not

mean that God denies us freedom of choice or that He ordinarily intervenes; but

it does mean that when human beings decide to harm one another or this planet

they are limited by God's overall control.

God treats us as His children when He shares with us His understandings of

the future. He invites us into the inner circle of those who are aware of what is

going on in the world, so that we may share with Him His goals and objectives.

SEARCH AND LEARN: What other purposes may be served by predictive

prophecy?

John 13:19



Isa. 45:1-3



Isa. 45:21, 22



Dan. 2: 29, 47



People usually want to know the future for selfish purposes. They want to

know if they will win the battle or lose it; whether the time is propitious for some

venture; what decisions will bring them the greatest returns. Unfortunately,

these selfish purposes lead them to turn to the wrong sources of information.

(See Deut. 18:10-12.)

THINK IT THROUGH: Of what modern counterparts to the heathen prac-

tices outlined in Deut. 18:10-12 are you aware?

III. KEYS TO UNDERSTANDING BIBLE PROPHECY:

1. Must Recognize Christ at the Center.

What important predictive focus dominated the Old Testament? Matt.

1:22; 2:15, 23. What significance does this have to our present understand-

ing of prophecy?

One of Matthew's aims is to show that Jesus was the Messiah foretold in the

Old Testament Scriptures. He quotes from the Old Testament sixteen times.

Jesus Himself turned to the Old Testament to show how He had fulfilled the

Messianic prophecies. (See Luke 24:25-27.) In fact, the main message of the

Old Testament is that God will send a Deliverer who will save His people from

their sins. (See 1 Pet. 1:10-12.) In our study of the Book of Daniel we shall see

that prophecy clearly predicts the time of the coming of the Messiah and His

work. Jesus as the Messiah is the center and core of the Old Testament as well as

of the New. Our first endeavor when studying Bible prophecy should be to dis-

cover how the prophecy centers in Christ.

Must Recognize Signs and Symbols.

In dealing with His people God uses signs and symbols to impress important

truths upon the people. Thus, after the flood, He made a covenant that He would

never destroy the world with a flood again. He set a rainbow in the sky as a sign

or token of His promise (Gen. 9:12, 13). He said that the Sabbath was to be kept

as a sign of sanctification—the symbol of a close relationship between Himself

and His people. The entire sacrificial system was full of symbolism to show that

without the shedding of blood there could be no remission of sins. (See Heb.

9:22.) Miracles often were used as signs of God's power and the authenticity of

His word. (See 2 Kings 20:1-11; Isa. 7:11-14.) Furthermore, God communi-

cated with people through dreams in which symbols were used. (See Gen. 37:5-

10.)

Thus we are not surprised to find dreams and miracles in Daniel. In fact, the

miracles seemingly are as unforgettable to us as they must have been to those

who observed them in actuality.

Symbols are remembered easily and serve as pictures that we can store in the

mind and thus recall the lessons they teach. Remember how effective Jesus was

as a teacher because He taught in parables. Prophetic symbols can be misapplied

easily. One of the best ways to keep from doing so is to study carefully how the

Bible writers and those who interpreted them in Bible days used and understood

the symbols involved.

Must Recognize That Some Prophecies Are Conditional.

God promised Israel that the chosen nation would become the center of a

worldwide reformation, would be delivered from all enemies, and would be-

come the center of the Messiah's kingdom. (See Isa. 2:10-21 and 4:2-6 for ex-

amples.) But because of Israel's failure to meet the conditions (see Deut. 28:15-

68), God could not (and now never will be able to) fulfill the promises to them as

a nation. (See Matt. 21:43.) "That which God purposed to do for the world

through Israel, the chosen nation, He will finally accomplish through His church

on earth

today."—Prophets and Kings,

p. 713. The experience of Israel illus-

trates that "the promises and threatenings of God are alike conditional" (Ellen

G. White, quoted in the

SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 4, p. 34).

If some Bible prophecies are conditional upon human cooperation and

obedience, how do we explain such Bible statements as James 1:17, He-

brews 13:8, and 1 Peter 1:25?

"Eventually God's purposes will prevail and the plan of salvation will suc-

ceed, irrespective of the failure of any person or group. . . . The plan itself never

changes because God never changes. But the manner in which it is carried out

may change because man may change. The fickle, human will is the weak, un-

stable factor in conditional prophecy. God may reject one nation or group of

people in favor of another if those first summoned persistently refuse to cooper-

ate with

Him."—SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 4, p. 34.

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Read the chapter entitled "The

Vineyard of the Lord," in

Prophets and Kings,

pp. 15-22.

SUMMARY:

God communicates with His people through prophets because He

loves His people and knows that they need His guidance. He has one desire, that

all people be saved from their sins and welcomed into His kingdom. He uses

many different ways to reach people because sin blinds human beings to His

providences.

APPLICATION:

As you continue to study the book of Daniel watch for special

instruction from God that the Holy Spirit impresses on you. What reforms do

you need to make in your life? What can you do to help others understand the

important lessons you are learning?

NOTES:

Adult

Lesson

Onguabv43410

judgment and Mercy

THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Daniel 1.

SAB

MEMORY TEXT: "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth



iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heri-

tage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in

mercy" (Micah 7:18).

CENTRAL THOUGHT:

We see the judgment of God in sending the people of

Jerusalem into exile, but we also see the mercy of God in caring for those who

are faithful to Him.

OVERVIEW—God's Justice and Mercy

Justice

Mercy

Hezekiah's mistake

Manasseh's crimes

Josiah's reform

Royal favors

Success and tact

God's blessings

Our destiny is in our own hands

INTRODUCTION:

Daniel begins with the striking statement that it was God

who decided the issue in the conflict between two nations.

Historians ordinarily do not make such statements. They look for other causes

of victory and defeat. Was one side stronger than the other? Was there a strategy

that won the day? Were there economic factors that extended their influence?

Was there foul play or internal dissension? History deals with series of causes

and consequences, but historians look for natural causes to explain the changes

that have taken place.

Daniel states that in the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim, king of Judah,

God decided to let Jerusalem fall into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, king of

Babylon. What happened was not a question of strength or strategy, weakness or

failure; it was a matter of God's judgment. God decided that this should take

place, and it did.

Here we face a theological problem. Does God have a hand in history? Does

He decide the fate of nations? These are difficult questions to answer, but Daniel

tells us that in the Babylonian victory which took place in 605 B.C., God was at

work to assure that what took place was in harmony with His plans. (See also

Hab. 1:5-9.)

Immediately the question arises: Why did God act this way? Is God arbitrary,

or is He governed by laws and principles? If so, what are they? In this lesson we

take a look at some historical background in order to attempt to see what princi-

ples are involved. Just as a parent must discipline a child, so God must make

clear to His people the principles of righteousness for which He stands. Some-

times the innocent suffer as a result of others' transgressions, but God makes it

up to them by granting them special privileges and blessings. None of us have

reason to complain about our lot. Instead, all of us have every reason to thank

God for His providences.

I. JUSTICE.

Abraham once asked the rhetorical question: "Shall not the Judge of all the

earth do right?" (Gen. 18:25). Of course God is just, but in this lesson we want

to take a close look at His justice.

Hezekiah's Mistake (2 Kings 20).

Hezekiah was sick and about to die. Isaiah the prophet told him to set his

house in order because death was imminent. Hezekiah prayed earnestly that his

life might be spared, and it was.

THINK IT THROUGH: Why did God tell Hezekiah that he was going to die

(verse 1), and then give him an extension of fifteen years of life (verse 6)?

Was it to teach us something? Was it to point out that we ought to accept

God's providences and not seek to change them?

Whatever answers you give to these questions, it is interesting to note that the

healing was confirmed by a sign that involved the sun—or, perhaps technically,

the rotation of the earth. Apparently the Babylonian observers of this remarkable

sign made inquiries and learned that what they had observed had to do with the

healing of the King of Judah. A delegation came to make inquiries. (See verse

12.)

Instead of giving God the glory for his marvelous healing, what did Hez-

ekiah do? Verse 13. Why do you think he responded that way?

God gives us opportunities to tell others of His providences. When we fail to

do so, we are failing in accomplishing God's purposes in and through us. This is

a serious failure, and we should pray that we never disappoint God in this way.

Hezekiah received a strong rebuke through the prophet Isaiah. He was told that

as a result of his action and inaction the time would come when the king of Judah

would lose his wealth and influence. Some of Hezekiah's descendants would be

taken captive to Babylon. Some would become "eunuchs in the palace of the

king of Babylon" (verse 18).

This prediction was made nearly a hundred years before the actual exile and

captivity. It demonstrates a relationship between what Hezekiah did and what

actually happened. Every act has its consequences, for good or ill. Hezekiah had

revealed his treasures of wealth but not the treasures of grace for which God was

responsible and which were of greater worth than anything this world can offer.

Manasseh's Crimes (2 Kings 21; 2 Chron.

33).

Hezekiah undoubtedly was relieved to know that, at least in his own time,

there

would be peace and security. Manasseh, his son, then took over the reins

of government.

Dnitgaait

Merc

Lesson

Manasseh began to reign as soon as he was considered old enough—twelve

years of age. But Manasseh's father still was reigning. He would reign with his

son for about ten years; part of the fifteen years that had been promised him

(2 Kings 20:6). Hezekiah apparently appointed his son as co-regent as soon as he

could do so legally, in order to give the young man training and experience for

the task that soon would be his.

We are not told how Hezekiah tried to influence his son. But we are told that

Manasseh followed a course of religious conduct that was different from the

pattern set by his father. The list of his deeds is shocking. (See 2 Kings 21:2-9.)

What lesson can you draw from the response of Manasseh and the people

when God spoke to them about their evil ways? 2 Chron. 33:10.

There were some, however, who refused to be led into apostasy. It was these

that Manasseh put to death and "filled Jerusalem from end to end" (2 Kings

21:16) with innocent blood.

What can we expect God to do when confronted with such behavior?

2 Chron. 33:11. Why does God respond this way?

As a result of this drastic treatment Manasseh came to his senses and sought

God's favor (verse 12). God was gracious and brought him back to Jerusalem.

The Chronicler adds: "Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God" (verse 13).

Manasseh underwent a change of heart, but the evil he had done could not be

erased. Through the prophets God repeated the prediction that the time would

come when Jerusalem would suffer a terrible disaster. (See 2 Kings 21:13.)

When the majority of the people and their leaders refuse to walk in the way of the

Lord, there can be only one result. They will be left by God to suffer the natural

consequences of rebellion.

Manasseh's son, Amon, proved to be even a worse ruler than his father. He

never did show signs of repentance. The country was relieved when he was

assassinated after a short reign of two years. (See 2 Chron. 33:21-24.)

THINK IT THROUGH: What would you do if you were given power to deal

with such uncooperative rulers and people? As you decide, do not overlook

the words of Paul in Romans 2:1.

3. Josiah's Reforms (2 Kings 22:1-23:26).

As we trace briefly the history of the people of Jerusalem before the time of

the captivity, we can conclude that God is not arbitrary in His dealings with

wayward kings. Rather, He is gracious; willing to accept any sign of repentance.

What made Josiah as king different from his immediate predecessors?

2 Kings 22:2.

Josiah set about repairing the temple. When a long lost book of the law was

discovered and its contents read to the king, Josiah responded in consternation

because he could see that he and the people were living in violation of the princi-

pies outlined. He gave orders that the priests should "inquire of the Lord" in

order to find out what should be done (verse 13).

Josiah was succeeded by Jehoahaz who was described as one who "did that

which was evil in the sight of the Lord" (2 Kings 23:32). He was taken as a

hostage to Egypt and died there. The next king, Jehoiakim, was equally evil. It is

not surprising that the exile began in his days.

When people reach the point where they refuse to repent, there is nothing

more God can do but let the consequences follow.

What indicates that Daniel was acquainted with the history of his people

and the kings whose experiences were outlined above? Dan. 1:1, 2.

H. MERCY.

It is a characteristic of God that He combines justice with mercy. (See Ps.

85:10.) In our human situation we find it difficult to be merciful without in some

way letting down justice; and in our demands for justice we forget the element of

mercy. But God is both just and merciful without either attribute affecting the

other.

1. Royal Favors.

THINK IT THROUGH: There can be no question about it being right that

the wicked king Jehoiakim and those who joined in his rebelliousness

against God's will should be taken into captivity. But how can the fact be

explained that dedicated youths such as Daniel and his companions were

also taken to Babylon?

As long as we are members of the same human family there is no escaping the

fact that the righteous often suffer with the wicked. But our God is merciful. He

makes compensation for unfortunate circumstances. None of us has any reason

to complain about his or her "fate." Jesus suggested that those who are called

upon to give up anything for the sake of the truth, will receive a hundredfold in

this life and eternal life to come. (See Matt. 19:29.)

How were Daniel and his companions shown favor when they were taken

to Babylon? What does this indicate about God's purpose in their captivity?

Dan. 1:3-5.

Many of the righteous among the captives from Jerusalem doubtless were

confronted with difficult questions to answer. They probably agreed with Daniel

that their captivity and exile fulfilled God's prediction. But they might well ask:

Why should

have to suffer with the guilty?

More importantly they may have felt that, as a result of the outcome of the

siege against Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar would consider his god, Marduk,

greater than Yahweh. Why would God allow some of the vessels of the Temple

to be taken to Babylon to be placed in a heathen shrine? Would this not cause the

Babylonians to despise the Jews and their religion?

THINK IT THROUGH: Imagine yourself in their situation. How would

you answer the questions indicated above?

One answer is that through people such as Daniel and his companions God

would make sure that kings and their subjects would not long suffer any illusions

about the true God and His great power. We shall see this in the lessons to come.

God reveals Himself mainly through the faithfulness of His people.

APPLICATION TO TODAY: What do you think that we today can do to

make sure our witness is what it should be?

Nebuchadnezzar shrewdly decided to take as hostages some young men of

talent from the elite of Jerusalem. His objective was to win their favor, win their

allegiance to Babylon, in order to prepare them possibly to serve in the future as

puppet rulers under his control. But God turned the shrewdness of the king into

the means whereby the king and his empire would learn about the true God.

WED

EMI

2. Success and Tact.

Why were Daniel and his companions given the new names mentioned in

Daniel 1:7?

The new names were intended to help them forget the past and their allegiance

to their religion so that they would adapt to their new situation. Whereas their

old names incorporated the name of the true God, the new names incorporated

the names of the Babylonian gods. No doubt the young men were aware of the

policy of their captors. Should they oppose the use of these names or should they

accept them? Apparently, seeing no reason why they should oppose the new

names, they accepted and used them.

What area was important enough for Daniel and his companions to make

an issue out of? Dan. 1:8. Why was this area so significant?

The one great goal of the health reform message that has been given Seventh-

day Adventists is not merely health for health's sake. The goal is sanctifica-

tion—the restoration of human beings even in this life as far as possible to the

physical, mental, social, and spiritual image of God. Daniel and his companions

decided that they would put themselves on record as being on the Lord's side. In

this respect there could be no compromise.

ILLUMINATION:

"The sanctification set forth in the Sacred Scriptures has to

do with the entire being—spirit, soul, and body. . . . True sanctification is an

entire conformity to the will of God. Rebellious thoughts and feelings are over-

come, and the voice of Jesus awakens a new life, which pervades the entire

being. . . . Wherever they may be, those who are truly sanctified will elevate the

moral standard by preserving correct physical habits, and, like Daniel, present-

ing to others an example of temperance and self-denial. . If we would be

sanctified in soul, body, and spirit, we must live in conformity to the divine law.

The heart cannot preserve consecration to God while the appetites and passions

are indulged at the expense of health and

life."—The Sanctified Life,

pp. 7, 9,

29.

According to the Bible, how is diet related to religious experience? Lev.

20:24-26; 1 Cor. 10:31.

One lesson that can be drawn from Daniel's experience is that, "In order to

reach the highest standard of moral and intellectual attainments, it is necessary to

seek wisdom and strength from God, and to observe strict temperance in all the

habits of life.

"—The Sanctified Life,

p. 23.

What did Daniel do to ensure that he and his companions would not defile

themselves by the food from the royal table? Dan. 1:8-16.

The tact that Daniel used in approaching the authorities on the matter of diet is

commendable and exemplary. But God also had a hand in the matter. Note the

words: "God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel"

(verse 9, NIV).

Ashpenaz was sympathetic, but did not want to take the risk involved. Daniel

then turned to his immediate tutor and arranged for a ten-day test of the vegetar-

ian diet that they had requested. When, by God's grace, the test was passed, the

problem was resolved in their favor.

3. God's Blessings.

What were the blessings that came to Daniel and his companions as a

result of their decision to be true to religious principles? Dan. 1:17-21.

Not only did the young men enjoy good health, but they also were good stu-

dents. The Scripture says that it was God who gave them knowledge and under-

standing (verse 17). Intellect alone is not sufficient to guarantee success. Intelli-

gence must be balanced by religious principle, and then God can reveal insights

that may not be apparent to secular minds.

What is included in the phrase "all learning and wisdom" in verse 17?

Presumably it was the learning and wisdom of the Babylonians. Being allied

with idolatry and pagan practices, it would be far different from the teachings of

sacred writ. Anyone studying such philosophy without the blessing of God could

be led astray. But with the blessing of God, Daniel and his companions were

able to differentiate truth from error.

The young men passed their examinations with flying colors. They had taken

one step in proving to the Babylonians that, although they had been defeated in

battle, they were not behind the best in scholarship. It speaks well for the Bab-

ylonian king that he promoted them to positions of honor in spite of their being

foreign captives. God was with them, and God would use them to teach the

Babylonians lessons that they needed to learn.

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION: Read one, if not all, of the follow-

ing from

Prophets and Kings:

The chapter entitled "The Ambassadors from

Babylon," pages 340-348; the chapter entitled "Manasseh and Josiah, pages

381-406; the chapter entitled "Carried Captive Into Babylon," pages 452-463.

"In the experience of Daniel and his companions we have an instance of the

triumph of principle over temptation to indulge the appetite. . . .

"What if Daniel and his companions had made a compromise with those hea-

then officers and had yielded to the pressure of the occasion by eating and drink-

ing as was customary with the Babylonians? That single instance of departure

from principle would have weakened their sense of right and their abhorrence of

wrong. Indulgence of appetite would have involved the sacrifice of physical

vigor, clearness of intellect, and spiritual power. One wrong step would prob-

ably have led to others, until, their connection with Heaven being severed, they

would have been swept away by temptation.

"—The Sanctified Life,

p. 23.

SUMMARY: The exile was inevitable in view of the fact that the people of

Judah insisted on doing what they knew to be wrong. God cannot but be just. Yet

God was long-suffering, not anxious to punish, and always open to genuine

repentance. At the same time God was unwavering in His plan that the heathen

nations should come to know the true God. If this could not be done through a

faithful people in Jerusalem, then it would have to be done through a faithful few

in the courts of Babylon.

APPLICATION: What can we learn from the sad story of the failure of the

people of Jerusalem to do what is right? How is the story different in the case of

Daniel and his three friends? What does this tell us about our circumstances?

How does it affect our determination to witness?

NOTES:

gainclisy 00.0?

Adult

Lesson

Revealler of Mysteries

THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Daniel 2.

MEMORY TEXT: "0 Lord God, thou hast begun to shew thy ser-

vant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in

heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according

to thy might?" (Dent. 3:24).

SAB

CENTRAL THOUGHT:

At some time or another most of us become con-

cerned about the future. Sometimes our concerns are legitimate; often they are

not. This week's lesson points out that there is only One who knows the future,

who can reveal it, and who

the future.

OVERVIEW—Daniel 2

The Dream

The Interpretation

The Response

The troubled king—

vs. 1

Helpless counselors—

vss. 2-11

A hasty decree—

vss. 12, 13

A wise Daniel—

vss. 14-16

The source of help—

vss.



17, 18

The dream revealed—

vss. 24-45

The king's confession—

vss. 46, 47

Daniel honored—

vss. 48, 49

INTRODUCTION:

After two or three years of successful rulership Nebu-

chadnezzar, no doubt, felt pleased with himself. By swift and astute action he

had managed to secure the throne for himself and foiled those enemies who may

have had other plans. In conflict with the Assyrian powers he had gained the

victory. He had put the Egyptian forces to rout. Now he felt secure on his throne.

He had settled the affairs in Judah so that he expected no trouble from that quar-

ter. His scheme of having hostages at his court, with his enlightened policy of

showing them favor, made him feel capable of handling any situation. Young,

strong, and intelligent, he felt that he had everything under control.

Yet, not everything. He was well aware of the snares along life's pathway. He

knew how others invested with great power had been overthrown. Could he

indeed, establish a dynasty that would not be overthrown? How would he secure

guarantees?

With such thoughts running through his mind Nebuchadnezzar tossed about in

his bed. Then he dreamed a dream that seemed to raise more questions. It star-

tled him into wakefulness. He was deeply troubled about the dream but could not

recall it. It was a dream that he could not ignore. He

must

find out what it meant.

Cl,k4zilke d g:41cUt:30

Lesson

1. THE DREAM (Dan. 2:1-13).

This is not the first time in Scripture that we find an important person having a

dream and being concerned about it. A Pharaoh in Egypt had two dreams that

were so much alike that it seemed obvious that they both carried a significant

message. With God's help, Joseph gave Pharaoh the interpretation. This divine

guidance made it possible for the king to know what to do for the best interests of

his people, and, as it turned out, for the children of Israel as well (Gen. 41:14-

45).

The Troubled King (Dan. 2:1).

What does the fact that God communicated with a pagan king as well as

with a dedicated prophet through a dream tell us about God? Rom 2:11;

Gal. 3:28.

God intended that His people would be His emissaries, His missionaries to the

rest of the world. Unfortunately, they did not live up to their responsibilities, and

now we see God pursuing His objectives through the Babylonian exile. God

turns tragedies into opportunities. Idolatry led to the exile. But those who later

returned from the exile generally forsook idolatry.

Helpless Counselors (Dan. 2:2-11).

Why was the source that Nebuchadnezzar turned to for help not able to

give him the assistance he wished? Dan. 2:2, 27, 28.

Determined to find out about the dream, the king consulted the only source of

information he thought was available—the religious elite and leaders of his day.

But there was one problem: the king had forgotten his dream!

How did the so-called skilled interpreters of dreams try to get out of what

they considered an impossible situation? Dan. 2:10.

Note the statements made that later were contradicted in the king's experi-

ence:

"There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter."

Daniel was able by God's help to solve the king's problem.

"There is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods,

whose dwelling is not with flesh." Nebuchadnezzar was to learn that there is a

God who can reveal secrets and that He does communicate with human beings.

The reaction of the king was typical of potentates who are not used to being

thwarted. It does not come as a surprise that Nebuchadnezzar should act this

way. The question is: Was the king unreasonable in his request, as his learned

counselors tried to suggest?

Nebuchadnezzar had every right to expect that those who claimed to interpret

dreams by means of connection with their gods could by the same connection

find out what the dream was.

God brought the pagan king to a place where he would recognize the superior-

ity of another God, the God of Daniel. The scenario that followed showed the

powerlessness of the heathen gods and brought prominence to the true God.

3. A Hasty Decree (Dan. 2:12, 13).

One question immediately arises: Where was Daniel at this time? How was it

that he and his companions were not at the court with the rest of the learned elite?

A number of suggestions have been made:

This situation arose before Daniel had graduated from his school. But the

fact that Daniel was to be slain with the others, suggests that he was a full mem-

ber of the group.

Those responsible for issuing the kings' summons purposely left Daniel

and his companions out of the reckoning. The summons was not delivered be-

cause of the jealousy of the other counselors. They wanted to use the occasion

for their own benefit. If this were their scheme and motive they certainly did not

deserve any mercy, certainly not from the "captives." However, Daniel showed

an exemplary spirit by contrast, in that he was anxious to save the lives of his

fellow counselors.

Daniel and his companions may have been engaged in a regular prayer or

worship service that the Babylonians did not want to interrupt.

Whatever may have been the reason, it is obvious that it was providential. In

this way the inability of the heathen counselors to accede to the king's request

was made more noticeable.

II.

THE INTERPRETATION. (Dan. 2:14-45).

In this case the interpretation became more acceptable and credible because of

the miracle of discovery of what the dream had been.

1. A Wise Daniel (Dan. 2:14-16).

Daniel's tact was evident in the way he helped solve the question over the

Hebrew youths' diet. In this chapter we see how wise he is as he goes about

finding the solution to an even greater problem.

THINK IT THROUGH: What can we learn from the way Daniel sought to

solve his problem?

Speaking with tact and wisdom to Arioch, the captain of the king's guard,

Daniel wanted to know why the king's decree was so "hasty," so "urgent."

Because the word originally used in this passage is found only here in Scripture,

its meaning is not absolutely certain. The NIV translates it as "harsh." It does

not suggest criticism, although it does imply surprise. Recognizing that it was a

reasonable question, Arioch gave Daniel the details of what happened that day

(verse 15).

Apparently Daniel asked for an interview with the king and it was granted.

Nebuchadnezzar, knowing that he could not get an answer from the Babylonian

elite, probably was willing to try any source. Daniel assured him that it was

possible to find help, but he would need time to do so. Daniel then shared his

problem with his companions. It always helps to seek counsel from those of like

faith. Naturally, they prayed together for God's help.

MON



What two burdens characterized the prayer mentioned in Daniel 2:18?

Did Daniel and his companions go to bed with the assurance that their prayers

would be answered? We are not told, but the prayers were answered. Although

the vision came directly to Daniel, Daniel included his companions as having

received the answer to their prayers (verse 23).

How did Daniel immediately respond? What would you consider to be

some of the key phrases in Daniel's prayer of thanksgiving? Dan. 2:19-23.

2. The Source of Help (Dan. 2:17, 18).

When facing a problem we must not ignore the means that God has placed at

our disposal, such as common sense. For problems that require knowledge and

technical skill we rightly turn for help to experts in the field of concern. But there

is one means that we should never forget: prayer to our Heavenly Father for His

blessing and guidance. Furthermore, we should never forget the principles of

living that God outlines in His Word.

Unfortunately, many today turn to sources that cannot guide them aright, such

as horoscopes, or crystal gazers, palmists, and spiritualistic seances. Sometimes

they even depend on the toss of a coin to help them decide issues.

What specific warning is given to Christians about turning to the occult

for advice? See Isa. 8:19, 20.

What does Psalm 121 tell us about the source to which we should turn

when we need assurance?

The psalmist thinks

of the hills as symbolizing power, stability, and strength.

But he soon turned for help to the One who created the hills.

Daniel and his companions learned that God was ever near them, even in

exile. Whatever they needed God could and did supply. Who is it that makes

changes in life's circumstances? It is God Himself. Who is it that is responsible

for political changes? It is God who sets up and puts down kingdoms. This sug-

gests that purely human maneuverings without God's permission or control can

never succeed. We cannot understand history or grasp human circumstances if

we ignore God's participation.

THINK IT THROUGH: Can we enter into the same kind of calm confi-

dence that we see in Daniel and his companions in exile? Can we share their

sense of mission as we see them fulfilling their responsibilities in the political

life of Babylon? They were not alone. God was with them and blessed them.

Therefore they blessed the God of their fathers.

WED

3. The Dream Revealed (Dan. 2:24-45).

We can pray, but we cannot decide for God when and how our prayers should

be answered. True prayer is not trying to force our will on God. It is letting Him

know what we perceive as our needs. As children ask their parents for things that

they think they need, so we as Christians can approach the throne of grace and

present our requests. But we must leave it to God to decide when and what to

give. In the case of Daniel and his companions the answer came immediately. In

some cases answers come before we ask. (See Isa. 65:24.) In all cases, they

come according to God's will and what He knows is best for us.

How is human nature demonstrated in Arioch's claim to have "found"

Daniel? Dan. 2:25.

Arioch showed a very human trait, that of claiming all the credit possible to

oneself. The fact is that Arioch had not "found" Daniel; Daniel had come to him

first.

How did Daniel respond to the king's inquiry as to whether he knew the

dream and its interpretation? Dan. 2:26, 27.

In contrast to Arioch's self-serving claim, Daniel made it clear that he could

not give the answer on the basis of his own knowledge. In fact, no human being

could in his or her own power answer the king's request.

"But there is a God in heaven"

(verse 28). Here is the clue; God is the true

source of knowledge. He is different from the gods whom the Babylonians wor-

shiped. He is not the God of the Jews only. He is the God of the universe, the

only One and true God.

"That revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king . . . what shall be in

the latter days"

(verse 28). Although God in heaven alone knows everything,

He communicates with people on earth. He opens up the future so that we may

know how things will end. There is a goal toward which things move under His

direction.

King Nebuchadnezzar hardly could miss the lesson. The Babylonians wor-

shiped false gods. The priests who claimed to get answers from their gods were

not in touch with reality. Nebuchadnezzar had a perfect right to doubt the entire

system. But to expect the impossible from such a system was unfair.

NOTES:

STUDY thoughtfully Nebuchadnezzar's dream and its interpretation. Dan.

2:31-43.

The Bible tells us who was represented by the head of gold—Babylon.

List the kingdoms that followed as you have gained insight into them from

your personal study of history and prophecy.

Arms and breast of silver



Belly and thighs of brass



Legs of iron



Feet of iron mixed with clay



What is represented by the decending order of value in the composition of

the image which Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream?

"Babylon, shattered and broken at last, passed away because in its prosperity

its rulers had regarded themselves as independent of God, and had ascribed the

glory of their kingdom to human achievement. The Medo-Persian realm was

visited by the wrath of Heaven because in it God's law had been trampled under

foot. The fear of the Lord had found no place in the hearts of the vast majority of

the people. Wickedness, blasphemy, and corruption prevailed. The kingdoms

that followed were even more base and corrupt; and these sank lower and still

lower in the scale of moral worth.

"—Prophets and Kings,

pp. 501, 502.

Newspapers recount the terrible condition that the world is in today. In such a

world the church is to be an island of righteousness. Not that the church is per-

fect, for there is nothing perfect in this world. But the church is the center of

God's activity, where sinners are turned to saints by God's grace, and through

which the gospel is being preached to the world. Each of us should have a part in

accomplishing God's plans and purposes.

Explain what is meant by the stone cut out without hands and the de-

struction of the image. Verses 35, 44, 45.

Only one kingdom will last forever. That is the kingdom that God will set up

at the second coming of Christ. The world may be getting worse and worse, but

there is a coming climax. God will take over and put an end to sin. He will take

over completely, for His kingdom will "fill the whole earth" (verse 35). Al-

though the Messiah was not introduced specifically to King Nebuchadnezzar,

the kingdom of Christ was pointed out as being God's ultimate answer to halting

the march of sin in this world. Every time we study Bible prophecy, we should

make an earnest attempt to learn how Christ forms the center of each prophecy.

ILLUMINATION:

"Let Daniel speak, let the Revelation speak, and tell what

is truth. But whatever phase of the subject is presented, uplift Jesus as the center

of all

hope."—Testimonies to Ministers,

p. 118.

III. THE RESPONSE (Dan. 2:46-49).

The King's Confession (Dan. 2:46, 47).

What was the king's reaction when

understood the dream and its im-

plications?

Verses 46, 47.

The king responded in the way that any heathen king would do; he paid Daniel

the highest respect. It is doubtful that he worshiped Daniel as a person. Rather,

he worshiped the One whom Daniel represented. His confession was a signifi-

cant one, recognizing that the God of Daniel was a "God of gods." Nebuchad-

nezzar was taking a giant step towards becoming a child of God.

Daniel Honored (Verses 48, 49).

The Babylonian king followed up his new understanding of God with high

promotions for Daniel. When we remember that Daniel was a captive from Ju-

dah, we can see that Nebuchadnezzar recognized worth without regard to race or

status. When Daniel asked that his companions be given positions of responsi-

bility too, the king did not hesitate. Thus those who were faithful among the

exiles received honor and glory.

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Read the chapter entitled

"Nebuchadnezzar's Dream" in

Prophets and Kings,

pp. 491-502.

SUMMARY:

Through the experience recorded in chapter 2, Daniel learned

anew that God is good, and King Nebuchadnezzar learned that God is great. It is

not where we are or what happens to us, but the way that we relate to God's

providences that matters. In all experiences we can glorify God. One day we

shall have every reason to rejoice as we look back on the way that God has led

us.

APPLICATION:

Be prepared to give testimony to those about you of God's

goodness to you. Then on Sabbath share with your class members what the re-

sults were of giving such testimony.

NOTES:

Adult

Lesson

Able to the Uttermost

THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Daniel 3.

SAB

MEMORY TEXT: "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the

uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make

intercession for them" (Heb. 7:25).

CENTRAL THOUGHT: How far should we go in obedience to God's com-

mands? Should we go as far as accepting death as the inevitable consequence?

By refusing to bow down to the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up, the

Hebrew youth were ready to sacrifice their lives. But God honored their stand

and protected them.

Dan. 3—The Great Controversy in Ancient Babylon

Evil at Work

God at Work

Attempt to thwart God's revealed

purpose—vss. 1-12

The faithful sentenced,to death

vss. 19-23

A faithful few refuse to bow

to pressure—vss. 13-18

The witness of deliverance

vss. 24-27

Response to the witness of deliverance—vss. 28-30

INTRODUCTION: In this lesson we note the arrogance of a king who

thought he could change history to make it go his way. He failed, of course.

Because of his failure to recognize the power of personal conviction, Nebuchad-

nezzar found himself in a difficult position for an authority figure. A wiser man

would have realized the limitations of his power. Behind the events we study this

week we can see God setting the stage for the largest number of people to wit-

ness His power. Three men took a very lonely stand. The pressure on them to

conform was great. The consequence of disobedience to the king was awesome.

But they stood firm. What gave them the power to resist evil?

The evidence of God's power was overwhelming. But it took God's grace for

Nebuchadnezzar to be willing to face the evidence. The heathen king was honest

enough to acknowledge God's power, although he later fell victim to pride again

and subsequently sought to regulate worship by decree. As we study the lesson,

let us ask ourselves: what would we do if we were in similar circumstances? We

may be sure that God's grace will be sufficient for us as long as we are deter-

mined to do right.

I. THE TEST (Dan. 3:1-18).

The forces of good and the forces of evil stand in conflict in this world. It is

important for us to recognize these forces, and to choose to be on God's side.

1. Attempt to Thwart God's Revealed Purpose (Dan. 3:1-12).

It seems ridiculous for human beings to think that they can oppose the power

of God. Yet this happens often. We see it in the case of Nebuchadnezzar. We see

how opposition arises out of selfish interest.

What was the significance of the image that Nebuchadnezzar erected on

the plain of Dura near Babylon? Dan. 3:1-3.

It is almost impossible not to see a link between the image that was set up in

Dura and the image the king had seen in his dream. But there was one significant

difference; whereas the image in the dream had been composed of various met-

als, the image set up in the plain was made of one metal—gold. When interpret-

ing the dream Daniel had said that the head of gold represented King Nebuchad-

nezzar and his dynasty. It had also been pointed out that another kingdom would

succeed Babylon, a kingdom inferior, but nevertheless a different kingdom.

Nebuchadnezzar accepted the interpretation of the dream as a supernatural rev-

elation. He recognized the God of Daniel as the great Revealer of secrets. But

the concept that another kingdom would succeed his did not please him.

There was nothing secret or hidden about the happenings surrounding the

dream and its interpretation. For one thing, all the scholars in Babylon owed

their lives to Daniel and certainly would have been told about his revelation of

the dream and its meaning to the king. The promotion of Daniel to high office in

the land provided abundant evidence that the king had received an answer to his

request.

ILLUMINATION:

"For a time afterward [after the dream], Nebuchadnezzar

was influenced by the fear of God; but his heart was not yet cleansed from

worldly ambition and a desire for self-exaltation. The prosperity attending his

reign filled him with pride. In time he ceased to honor God, and resumed his idol

worship with increased zeal and bigotry. . . . The wise men of his realm, taking

advantage of this and of his return to idolatry, proposed that he make an image

similar to the one seen in his dream, and set it up where all might behold the head

of gold, which had been interpreted as representing his kingdom.

"Pleased with the flattering suggestion, he determined to carry it out, and to

go even farther. Instead of reproducing the image as he had seen it, he would

excel the original. His image should not deteriorate in value from the head to the

feet, but should be entirely of gold—symbolic throughout of Babylon as an eter-

nal, indestructible, all-powerful kingdom, which should break in pieces all other

kingdoms and stand forever.

"—Prophets and Kings,

p. 504.

What three things did the king seem to forget?

1. The remarkable circumstances surrounding the dream that compelled him

to seek an interpretation.

The failure of the Babylonian elite to come forward with a solution and the

remarkable answer that had come through Daniel as evidence of the one

true God.

That it was not he but God who determines the future. Somehow, he

thought he could pattern history after his own desires.

•

Who were invited by the king to come to the plain of Dura in order to see

the great image, and why do you think they were invited? Daniel 3:2, 3.

The king of Babylon seems to have invited everyone of consequence in his

dominion (except for Daniel, who was absent for some unknown reason) to

come to see the image. It was to be an occasion when everyone would see the

might and power of the Neo-Babylonian empire symbolized.

The prophet Jeremiah says that Zedekiah, King of Judah, went to Babylon in

the fourth year of his reign. (See Jer. 51:59.) It is possible that this was in re-

sponse to Nebuchadnezzar's summons. Daniel does not date the events he nar-

rates in the third chapter. If we can link Zedekiah's trip with Daniel 3 we arrive at

the date of 594/593 B.C. as the historic occasion when the dignitaries in the

Babylonian empire were called upon to recognize the greatness and might of

Babylon.

ILLUMINATION:

"On that eventful day the powers of darkness seemed to be

gaining a signal triumph; the worship of the golden image bade fair to become

connected permanently with the established forms of idolatry recognized as the

state religion of the land. Satan hoped thereby to defeat God's purpose of making

the presence of captive Israel in Babylon a means of blessing to all the nations of

heathendom.

"—Prophets and Kings,

p. 506.

We must not minimize the pressure that can be applied on us from outside

sources. Peer and other pressures are not easy to resist. It is not easy to stand for

the truth though the heavens fall. We need to pray humbly that God will give us

grace sufficient for the day, so that we can do what is right regardless of the

circumstances. Paul's advice in 1 Corinthians 10:12 is well taken.

THINK IT THROUGH: If you were to find yourself in the situation that the

young Hebrews did, demanding participation in a false form of worship,

what kinds of questions would you ask yourself?

Here are some suggestions:

Our fellow Hebrews are not taking the same stand as we; can we be sure

that we are not fanatics?

Is it right to jeopardize our lives for a very simple act? Everyone knows

that we do not worship idols; could we not conform outwardly while making

inward mental reservations?

Is it right to give up our lives over this little matter? Would God hold it

against us if we bowed down "just this once"?

Which is better, to die for truth, or to avoid crises and live to continue our

witness?

How would

you

answer these questions? When we are in a particular crisis it

is not easy to take an unpopular and lonely stand. God's grace alone can enable

us to do what is right in every situation. We cannot afford to judge those who

have not taken the same stand we have. It is easy to be wise after the event. Our

only safeguard is to make a firm decision in times of peace to do what is right by

God's grace in times of crisis.

There is another important truth that we learn from the events that took place

on the Plain of Dura. Truth was not with the majority. We must know the truth for

ourselves, and not be carried away by the crowd. This means that we must study

thoroughly what we believe. We cannot just accept the word of someone else;

not even that of the pastor, or a parent. Crises in our lives are inevitable, and

crises as we approach the end of the world will not be easy ones to face.

THINK IT THROUGH: What elements are essential in preparing young

people to be staunch for the truth?

Consider some of the following influences and evaluate them:

I . Religion in the home.

The church school.

Academy, college, and university.

Sabbath School and church service.

Holding an office in the church and witnessing.

Choosing one's associates and life partner.

The consistent witness of church leaders.

Personal in-depth study of the Word of God.

It is important to remember that while we are influenced in a strong way by

our environment and our heredity, there is another powerful factor for good in

the world that never is far from us—the grace of God and the activity of the Holy

Spirit. Each of us possesses inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil, but our

lives need not be dominated by sin. God has provided the victory through Christ.

THINK IT THROUGH:

Can you imagine three people standing boldly upright

while a large crowd of distinguished people bow down before a great image?

Have you even been in a crowd and felt as though you were standing out like a

sore thumb? Would you feel like hiding yourself? On the other hand, have you

had to stand for truth, and afterwards were glad that you were able to do it?

It does not take long for news to spread about nonconformity. Who re-

ported the Hebrews to the king, and why do you think they did so? Dan.

3:8-12.

The very wise men whose lives had been spared by the providential presence

of the Hebrew captives in Babylon now brought an accusation against the three

Hebrews. How soon they had forgotten the benefits they had received and the

lesson they had learned about the God who revealed secrets, who alone deserved

worship!

But such is life, and we must not be surprised if our closest friends, and those

who should know better, are the ones who spread unfair reports about us and

cause us trouble. (See Matt. 10:36.) But in all this we must learn to behave with

propriety and confront with tact those who oppose us.

The Hebrew youth not only were accused of refusing to worship the image.

They also were accused of ingratitude and rebellion. No wonder the king was

furious! In fact it was suggested that the king had misjudged character when he

had appointed these men to high office (verse 12).

2. A Faithful Few Refuse to Bow to Pressure (Dan. 3:13-18).

This was not the best time to disobey the king. "Flushed with triumph"

(Prophets and Kings,

p. 506) he was enjoying success and adulation. But be-

cause he prided himself on being a fair king he gave the Hebrew youth a second

chance to obey his order. He said that he was willing to overlook their earlier

disobedience if they would now conform. But then he went on to threaten them

with instant death in the fiery furnace, adding, "What god will be able to rescue

you from my hand?" (Dan. 3:15, NIV).

The three youth were now being challenged. They reminded the king that they

had discussed the issues and did not need to go over those matters again. They

knew that God could save them, even from a fiery furnace. Even if He did not,

they would be loyal to Him.

II. THE DELIVERANCE (Dan. 3:19-27).

The Faithful Sentenced to Death—Verses 19-23.

What do you think about the way the furious king responded to what he

perceived as defiance? See Verses 19, 20.

Nebuchadnezzar decided to proceed with his plan, with only one change—the

furnace would be seven times hotter! He was going to make sure that the test of

the power of the Hebrew's God not only would be valid, but also would be

indisputable.

Before the entire multitude the king exercised his authority in such a way that

there would be no doubt left in anyone's mind about who was in charge. Disci-

pline sometimes demands a show of force. The strongest men were brought to

execute the sentence. The three defiant Hebrews were bound with all their

clothes, so that not a thing would remain of them or their belongings. Then they

were thrown into the furnace. It was a bit disconcerting that the men who had

thrown the Hebrews into the furnace were killed by the terrible heat.

You know the story well. But it remains a favorite and is repeated again and

again, because in it we see physical strength set at naught, political power help-

less, and the God of righteousness vindicated. Can you think of anything more

exciting? The point is that that power exercised on the Plain of Dura is a power

that is available to us today.

Why was King Nebuchadnezzar so alarmed as he looked into the fiery

furnace? Daniel 3:24, 25.

The king no doubt was surprised to see the three Hebrews walking in the

furnace apparently unharmed. But what frightened him was the appearance of

the fourth. Only three had been thrown in; why was there a fourth? And the

fourth was like a "son of the gods" (verse 25, NIV). Here the king found himself

in the presence of a power the like of which he had never experienced before. He

forgot the multitude. He forgot the image. He forgot his power as king. He was

confronted with a miraculous act of God. In great humility he cried out: "Ser-

vants of the Most High God, come out!" (Daniel 3:26, NIV).

How did Nebuchadnezzar recognize the fourth presence in the fire as the

Son of God? How would he know anything about God's Son?

"The Hebrew captives filling positions of trust in Babylon had in life and

character represented before him the truth. When asked for a reason of their

faith, they had given it without hesitation. Plainly and simply they had presented

the principles of righteousness, thus teaching those around them of the God

whom they worshiped. They had told of Christ, the Redeemer to come; and in

the form of the fourth in the midst of the fire the king recognized the Son of

God.

"—Prophets and Kings,

p. 509.

III. RESPONSE TO THE WITNESS OF DELIVERANCE (Dan. 3:28-

30).

Admittedly King Nebuchadnezzar, with all his faults and weaknesses, was at

least honest. When the evidence was clear he accepted it. This is not always true

of everyone. Some will continue to deny the truth even when the strongest evi-

dence is presented. It is the grace of God alone that enables us to see the truth

and accept it.

What is the significance of the king's reaction when he saw that no harm

had come to the Hebrew youth as a result of the fire? Dan. 3:28-30.

Nebuchadnezzar was well within his rights to bless God for what he had seen

and heard. For him to call God the God of the three Hebrew youth was perfectly

proper, and God would not be ashamed to be called their God. But

Nebuchadnezzar's personal conversion was not yet complete. He still had to

accept the King of heaven as his personal God.

THINK IT THROUGH:

What about us? Are our lives such that God would be

happy to be referred to as

our

God? It is our privilege to have such a relationship

with Him that we think of Him as

our

God. Paul often referred to Him as "my

God." (See Rom. 1:8; 1 Cor. 1:4; Phil. 4:19.) So did Daniel. (See Daniel 6:22.)

Thomas said, "My Lord and my God," when all his doubts had been taken away

(John 20:28).

ILLUMINATION:

"It was right for the king to make public confession, and to

seek to exalt the God of heaven above all other gods; but in endeavoring to force

his subjects to make a similar confession of faith and to show similar reverence,

Nebuchadnezzar was exceeding his right as a temporal sovereign. He had no

more right, either civil or moral, to threaten men with death for not worshiping

God, than he had to make the decree consigning to the flames all who refused to

worship the golden image. God never compels the obedience of man. He leaves

all free to choose whom they will serve.

"—Prophets and Kings,

pp. 510, 511.

The king promoted the three Hebrew youth, thus giving practical expression

to the lessons he had learned from them. As an autocratic king he was able to do

so, but quite apart from his ability it was an appropriate gesture of gratitude. It

was a public testimony of his faith in the God of the captives. Not everyone is

ready to take the risk of a public testimony, but when it is given, its results are

felt in an ever-widening circle.

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Read the chapter entitled "The Fi-

ery Furnace" in

Prophets and Kings,

pp. 503-513.

Consider the present significance of the experience in Daniel 3 in the light of

the following comment: "By many, the Sabbath of the fourth commandment is

made void, being treated as a thing of naught; while the spurious sabbath, the

child of the papacy, is exalted. In the place of God's laws are elevated the laws of

the man of sin—laws that are to be received and regarded as the wonderful

golden image of Nebuchadnezzar was by the Babylonians. Forming this great

image, Nebuchadnezzar commanded that it should receive universal homage

from all, both great and small, high and low, rich and poor."—Ellen G. White

Comments;

SDA Bible Commentary,

vol 4, p. 1169.

SUMMARY:

Although God may not always intervene to save His followers

from martyrdom, the experience of Daniel 3 demonstrates that God can save His

people from apparently fatal circumstances. More importantly, it demonstrates

that

He is able to save us from the inroads of sin.

APPLICATION:

We make progress by taking one step at a time. None of us

reaches Christian maturity at one leap. Blessed is the person who has the grace

and the will to do what is right and accepts the light of truth as it is presented. But

more importantly, as time goes on, Christians will be called upon to witness for

their faith in circumstances comparable to those of the Hebrew captives in Bab-

ylon. We may be sure that the God who worked mightily on behalf of those who

were faithful to Him, will always do what is best for those who would choose to

die rather than to disobey or disown their God and Saviour Jesus Christ. "Satan

with all the hosts of evil cannot destroy the weakest of God's

saints."—Prophets

and Kings,

p. 513.

NOTES:

einzao 2244

The [-Ligh Price of Pride

THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Daniel 4.

771

MEMORY TEXT: "Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous

=VI



sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and

I shall be innocent from the great transgression" (Psalm 19:13).

CENTRAL THOUGHT:

Reviewing the many projects he had accomplished,

Nebuchadnezzar felt that he had succeeded well. He forgot that it was God who

had given him all he had. In his pride he exalted himself rather than God. For his

own sake and for the sake of those who would come after him he was given a

lesson that he would never forget, a lesson that pride exacts a price too high to

pay.

Daniel 4: A Royal Proclamation

Pride

A royal confession—vss.1-3

The wise men fail again—vss. 4-7

Daniel to the rescue—vs. 8

The dream—vss. 9-18

The interpretation—vss. 19-27

Prediction fulfilled—vss. 28-30

Judgment pronounced—vss. 31-33

Converted by adversity—vss. 34-37

Humility

INTRODUCTION:

Chapter four is different from any other chapter in the book

of Daniel in that it takes the form of a proclamation made by King Nebuchadnez-

zar. It was addressed to people everywhere, regardless of race, political align-

ment, or language. The king wanted everyone to know about his experience with

the God of heaven.

As a proclamation it may seem to be out of keeping with the rest of the book,

but actually fits into it well. All of the people concerned have been mentioned

before: the King of Babylon, the professional diviners, and Daniel. Further-

more, there is a dream which gives the king great concern; an attempt to find a

suitable interpretation of the dream; and, finally, Daniel is found to give the

interpretation.

This is the last time that Nebuchadnezzar is mentioned as having a part in the

events of his day. The king who was introduced to us as the one into whose

hands Jehoiakim, King of Judah, was placed by God, now makes his exit from

Daniel's account. It is a most unusual story, authenticated by the king himself in

his public proclamation.

The story has a happy ending. Nebuchadnezzar learned his lesson. He had

learned that the God of the Jewish captives was a revealer of secrets. He had

learned that the God of heaven had power to save His faithful worshipers from

the flames of a furnace. Now he was to learn that there are Watchers in heaven,

Watchers who intervene providentially for the good of every individual in order

that there will be no misunderstanding as to the source of wisdom and strength,

health and success, life and eternal well-being. Ellen White tells us that "the

once proud monarch had become a humble child of God"

(Prophets and Kings,

p. 521) as a result of this experience.

I. NEBUCHADNEZZAR'S CONFESSION (Dan. 4:1-3).

There is an element of truth in the oft-repeated statement that history repeats

itself. But the fact is that nothing is repeated in exactly the same way. In our

lesson today there are elements similar to the account in Daniel 2, but there are

significant differences, too. People may make the same mistake again and again,

but it is to be hoped that eventually they will learn by their mistakes and thus

reach the point where wisdom will take the place of foolishness.

What did King Nebuchadnezzar indicate his purpose to be in the intro-

duction to his proclamation? Dan. 4:1-3.

King Nebuchadnezzar wanted everyone to know about his experience. He

must have felt that it was important for others to understand the truths he finally

had come to appreciate.

"May you prosper greatly!"

(Daniel 4: I ). How often we open our letters with

a phrase much like this. Our desire for other people is that they may enjoy the

blessings of God. More important than their enjoying material wealth and phys-

ical health is their coming to enjoy spiritual health. Note Paul's desire for his

readers in 1 Thessalonians 5:23. It is important to be ready for the second com-

ing of Jesus.

"It is my pleasure to tell you"

(Dan. 4:2, NIV). It always is a pleasure to

convey good news. It also is a pleasure to testify to God's goodness in our lives.

If we were to spend more time telling others about God's providences to us,

rather than recounting our aches and pains, our struggles and disappointments,

we would find ourselves happier and be the means of bringing happiness to

others.

"How great are his signs"

(Daniel 4:3). The greatness of God is proclaimed

in the Muslim world from thousands of minarets every day. Here we read of a

heathen king who testifies to the greatness of God. Should not Christians be even

more forward in proclaiming the greatness of God?

THINK IT THROUGH: Nebuchadnezzar recognized the greatness of

God's signs and wonders. One of God's greatest signs is His providences

seen in the affairs of human beings. His wonders are expressed in the mir-

acles by which He shows that He is in control of nature and the onward

course of history. Can you give some examples of signs and wonders related

to your own experience?

Nebuchadnezzar goes on to speak of God's kingdom. Great king as he was, he

knew that God was in control. Not in the sense that He made puppets of men and

women, but in the sense that He makes known His will, and points up the conse

quences of evil. He works for the salvation of all, although all will not be saved.

Furthermore, God's kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. Earthly kingdoms

rise and fall; great leaders come and go. But God's purpose is that He will have a

kingdom in which only peace and righteousness will reign. It takes time and

patience to set up such a kingdom, particularly when men and women are given

freedom of choice. But the achievement of the goal is not in doubt. And, hu-

manly speaking, God has a lot of time and a lot of patience.

II. NEBUCHADNEZZAR CORRUPTED BY PRIDE (Dan. 4:4-30).

The Wise Men Fail Again (Verses 4-7).

In the light of their past failures it is surprising that Nebuchadnezzar should

turn to his learned counselors once again to seek an interpretation of his dream.

But perhaps it was providential because there was an important difference this

time; the king remembered his dream and needed only an interpretation. It would

now be seen that the so-called diviners were helpless to give an explanation even

when the dream was recounted.

Why were the diviners unable to give the king the interpretation that he

needed? Why did they not just make up some interpretation?

It is quite possible that the Babylonian diviners saw in the dream an evil omen

that they were afraid to mention to the king. Because they were timeservers,

anxious not to lose their jobs, they thought it was wise to be silent.

The king did not become furious at their failure at this time. It is possible that

he had learned that he could not depend on them to interpret any dream.

Why does God ordinarily not reveal details about the future to us?

The fact that the future is mainly hidden from our view is providential. If we

knew some of the things that would come to us we would be discouraged from

the start. God does not reveal the future merely to satisfy idle curiosity. It is

sufficient for us that He has revealed the main things that are to take place in the

conflict between good and evil. It is for us to choose to do what is right. Faithful

performance of duty prepares us to face future emergencies.

Daniel to the Rescue (Verse 8).

God does not hold back from us anything that is for our good. Nebuchadnez-

zar needed to have an answer to his anxious questions. He needed to learn how to

relate to the future. Most of all he needed to yield his heart and mind to God. In

His love for the king God sent Daniel to help him.

Why was it providential that Daniel should come "at the last"? Dan.

4:8, 9.

"Once more in this idolatrous nation, testimony was to be borne to the fact

that only those who love and fear God can understand the mysteries of the king-

dom of heaven. The king in his perplexity sent for his servant Daniel, a man

esteemed for his integrity and constancy and for his unrivaled wisdom."—

Prophets and Kings,

p. 516.

Nebuchadnezzar referred to Daniel as Belteshazzar, "according to the name

of my god" (Verse 8). This last phrase points to a clinging to pagan practices. It

is difficult for a person who has grown up in a particular culture to let it go in

every respect.

Although we may understand Nebuchadnezzar's problems with culture and

environment, we must not excuse the unexcusable. If he was to be saved he

would have to make a break with the heathen gods and recognize that Yahweh is

not just another god, but the God of gods, the only God.

In the circumstances of the failure of the Babylonian wise men to give the king

the answer he needed and the presence of Daniel who satisfied a need, we see

how God worked with Nebuchadnezzar to bring him to a right way of thinking.

The king certainly had his faults, but he seems to have been an honest man who

had "an innate sense of justice and right"

(Prophets and Kings,

p. 515). God

could use him, and God could bring him around to right thinking.

What is the significance of that which Nebuchadnezzar admitted that he

could see in Daniel? Dan. 4:8, 9.

Because the Hebrew word for God has a plural form, although it is used with a

verb in the singular, it is possible that the correct translation should be "God"

and not "gods" in verse 8. Because Daniel was filled with the Spirit of God he

exerted a holy influence wherever he went. He always inspired the best in every-

one, condemning foolishness, but commending righteousness. He could be

depended upon to give the best advice and to promote the best causes.

THINK IT THROUGH: Would you not like to be a Daniel in this sense? Do

you think that, by God's grace, you could be a Daniel in your environment?

What do you need to do in order to cooperate with God in achieving such a

goal?

3. The Dream (Verses 9-18).

This time the dream was not about an image, but about a tree. It was such a tall

tree that it seemed to reach to the heavens and such a big tree that it seemed it

could be seen from any part of the globe. In our modern scientific sophistication

we may question such a possibility, but we must not forget the point of the

dream: the tree represented a kingdom that covered the then known world and

had great influence. It provided food and shelter to all who were within its do-

main. (See Daniel 4:10-12.)

SEARCH AND LEARN: How fitting is the symbol of a tree for an individ-

ual person or nation? What do the texts that follow indicate?

Psalm 1



Eze. 31:3-14

Nebuchadnezzar had seen the cedars of Lebanon. He probably saw them be-

ing felled and may have used some of the wood for his building projects.

The province of Babylon did not have many large trees. It had the date palm

WED

11.1

which was valued for its fruit, but its stem is limited in its uses. Nebuchadnezzar

must have been impressed greatly by the tree he saw in his dream. It was a tree

that brought benefits to many creatures. To cut it down was not only a tragedy to

the tree, but a loss to the creatures who profited from its shade and branches. It is

no wonder that the king was troubled by the dream and wanted to know its;

interpretation.

How did what happened to the tree concern the king, and who gave the

verdict? Dan. 4: 13-17.

What happened to the tree was of immense concern to the king. Evidently

some tragic event was to take place. But what was the meaning of the stump

being bound with iron and bronze? What did the "seven times" mean? Who are

the "watchers," the "holy ones"? He needed a clear interpretation.

4. The Interpretation (Dan. 4:19-27).

The dream was not easy to interpret; not because of, its complexity but because

of its obvious import. Somebody was going to be hurt, and the hurt would come

as the result of a decision made by an authority that could not be resisted.

How was Daniel affected as he contemplated the dream, and how did the

king encourage him? Dan. 4:19.

It is not easy to tell a powerful king that he will lose his power. As is true of

nearly everyone, kings like to hear good news, not bad. The good news was that

the marvelous tree represented Nebuchadnezzar himself. He was like a tall tree

that brought blessing to many.

The bad news was that he would lose his power, lose his mind, and live like an

animal for seven years. But he would be restored to power when he came to the

place where he would acknowledge that the God of heaven is in command of

everyone and everything. (See Daniel 4:24-26.)

Imagine how you would feel if you were King Nebuchadnezzar. Can you

imagine how Daniel felt as he outlined the meaning of the dream to the King who

had always been good to him, who had expressed such confidence in him?

What does the way in which Daniel concluded his interpretation teach us

about tactfulness? Dan. 4:27.

Daniel felt that he had to appeal to the king to renounce his sin, and do what

was right. There is only one attitude to take toward sin. That is to determine, by

God's grace, not to sin. To continue in sin is to court disaster.

Up to this point we have not been told what the king's particular sin was. Later

it is revealed that he indulged in pride of achievement. Naturally, he did not

build Babylon with his own hands. Probably he used forced labor. It would be

expected in those days that his inspectors and supervisors would be cruel to the

laborers. Daniel suggested that the king change his policies and be kind to the

oppressed. If he did this, there was a chance that he would continue to be blessed

of God and be prosperous.

5. Prediction Fulfilled (Verses 28-30).

"All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar," reports Daniel 4:28 (NIV). A

year later while walking on the roof of his palace, the king contemplated the city

that stretched out before him. He noted its magnificent temples and ziggurats, its

spectacular colored gates and procession street, and its hum of busy activity that

indicated prosperity and peace. His heart filled with pride. He claimed for him-

self the honor that Daniel had told him before should be attributed to God.

pip

III. NEBUCHADNEZZAR CONVERTED BY ADVERSITY (Dan. 4:31-

= 37).

Immediately the heavenly decree was sent forth telling the king what his pun-

ishment would be.

What were some of the things that would happen to the king? Dan. 4:31,

32.

We do not know what kind of a disease took hold of him. It is possible that it

was a malady not often duplicated. One thing is certain; for seven years he was

treated as a madman. It was obvious that others would have to take over the

affairs of state.

In other circumstances the reins of government would have been taken away

from Nebuchadnezzar altogether. It is conceivable that there were many others

who would have been happy to take over. Some of the provinces could have

seized the opportunity to rebel and secede. But nothing like that happened. The

tree was cut down, but the stump remained. The mad king would have to come to

his senses and recognize the supreme authority of the God in heaven.

How did the king of Babylon express his regard for God when his sanity

returned? Daniel 4: 34, 35.

The angel that has the everlasting gospel to preach to all the earth in the last

days of history declares: "Fear God, and give glory to him" (Rev. 14:7). There

is a strong tendency on the part of people to attribute glory to themselves when

they have accomplished something good or great. They fall into the same sin as

Nebuchadnezzar. It is by God's grace alone that they do not suffer what the

Babylonian king had to suffer.

THINK IT THROUGH: Would we not do well to remember to give God the

glory for everything that we may have accomplished? It is He who gives life,

health, and skill and everything else that is necessary for the achievement of

anything that is good. Perhaps you should pause a moment and thank God

for all that He has done for you. You may want to give a testimony of praise

before others of how much you appreciate what God has done and is doing

for you.

NOTES:

What is the significance of the way King Nebuchadnezzar concluded his

proclamation? Dan. 4:36, 37.

The king testified that with his restoration he became greater than he was

before. God has a way of making up to us for the lean years in our experience.

(See Job. 42:12-16.) We cannot doubt but that we have a gracious God, who

only wants what is best for us. We shall always feel that we are unprofitable

servants, but God blesses us much beyond what we deserve. (See Luke 17:10.)

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Read the chapter entitled "True

Greatness," in

Prophets and Kings,

pp. 514-521.

SUMMARY:

In this lesson we see once again that God is concerned about

everyone, the heathen as well as the god-fearing. He will communicate with

those who apparently reject Him as well as those who seek to worship Him. He

is no respecter of persons. (See Rom. 2:11.)

Furthermore, there is joy in heaven when a sinner repents. (See Luke 15:7.) It

took God a long time, but King Nebuchadnezzar finally was converted.

"The once proud monarch had become a humble child of God; the tyrannical,

overbearing ruler, a wise and compassionate king. . . . Under the rebuke of Him

who is King of kings and Lord of lords, Nebuchadnezzar had learned at last the

lesson which all rulers need to learn—that true greatness consists in true

goodness.

"—Prophets and Kings,

p. 521.

APPLICATION:

Have I formed a team with God, as Daniel did, to work for

the conversion of all whom He wants me to influence? Is there someone I have

been praying for to whom I should speak this week about salvation? Do I know

someone presently under the conviction of the Holy Spirit who has not yet made

a commitment for whom I should be praying? Is there something I can do this

week to have a part in someone's conversion?

NOTES:

Weighed and Found

Wanting

THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Daniel 5.

MEMORY TEXT: "Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good, and

doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:17).

SAB

CENTRAL THOUGHT:

We have the responsibility of learning our lessons

from those who have gone before us. Belshazzar did not. That was one reason

why there could be only one judgment on his life. He was found wanting and had

to suffer the consequences.

Daniel 5: The Fall of Ancient Babylon

An Arrogant Ruler

Judgment on Babylon

A drunken orgy—vs. 1

An act of impiety—vss. 2-4

From arrogance to fear—vss. 6, 7

The failure of the elite—vss. 8-12

Daniel's dialogue with the king—

vss. 13-24

Judgment pronounced and

executed—vss. 25-31

INTRODUCTION:

This chapter in the book of Daniel records the events of the

last night of Babylon's independence. It presents a sad story of indulgence when

there should have been watchfulness; of drinking when there should have been

sober contemplation of the seriousness of the times; and of impiety when there

was the greatest need to call upon God for help. It also presents us with a story of

how arrogance suddenly can be turned into terror. The senseless behavior of

Babylon's rulers was brought to a halt as God pronounced judgment in no uncer-

tain terms.

This story leads us to wonder what we can do in our situation today to prevent

tragedies, to warn of danger, and to give a testimony to God that can be as

effective as what Daniel did in Babylon.

Are there parallels to what is happening in our time? Do we have opportunities

to know the truth that we are neglecting? Are we wasting our time in activities of

little consequence when the end of the world is upon us? Will we be found

wanting in the day of judgment?

The objective of this lesson is not to frighten us, but to turn our attention to

matters of great consequence. We must choose our companions wisely. We

must by God's grace order our lives according to the principles of God's

Word as revealed through His prophets. When our lives are committed with-

out reservation to Christ and His will "we may have boldness in the day of

judgment"(l John 4:17).

I. AN ARROGANT RULER (Dan. 5:1-7).

There is no doubt about it, power corrupts, and absolute power has in it the

seeds of absolute corruption.

1. A Drunken Orgy (Verse 1).

Considering the who, when, and where of Belshazzar's feast, why was

the timing so inappropriate? What did Belshazzar do in front of his guests?

Verse 1.

Nabonidus, Belshazzar's father, was ruler of Babylon, but had left Belshazzar

as coregent in Babylon while he was away preparing for a military campaign.

The combined armies of the Medes and the Persians were besieging the city of

Babylon. However, the Babylonians considered their city impregnable.

Having a feast at such a time was foolhardy. It may be that Belshazzar thought

he was showing confidence in the impregnability of the walls of Babylon. But

times of impending danger are not times to be spent in carousing. The least that

would be expected would be that Belshazzar would conserve his food supply;

making sure that his citizens were well provided for and protected.

But the young king did not face the situation with common sense. With an air

of bravado he called upon his lords to feast with him. They did so subserviently;

closing their eyes and ears to the reality around them.

"He drank wine before his guests."

The suggestion is that he led out in the

drinking, setting an example of being intoxicated. The host was expected to

observe proper decorum. But Daniel gives us a glimpse of the king as one who

could not maintain his dignity. As he indulged himself without reserve, his

reason became "dethroned through shameless intoxication"

(Prophets and

Kings,

p. 523).

SEARCH AND LEARN: What do the following passages teach about avoid-

ing the use of intoxicating beverages?

Prov. 20.1



Prov. 23:31, 32



Gal. 5:21



ILLUMINATION:

"The history of Nadab and Abihu is also given as a warning

to man, showing that the effect of wine upon the intellect is to confuse. And it

will ever have this influence upon the minds of those who use it. Therefore God

explicitly forbids the use of wine and strong

drink."—Temperance,

p. 92.

THINK IT THROUGH: Why is it particularly important for Christians to

maintain good health and practice temperance in these last days of earth's

history?

MON

Weighed



Found Wanting



Lesson



February

2. An Act of Impiety (Daniel 5:2-4).

It is bad enough to be guilty of breaking the laws of health; but when, in

addition, a person is guilty of showing disrespect to God's house or the symbols

of God's truth, insult is added to injury.

In what way did the king show his disrespect for the God of the Jewish

captives? Verse 2.

The silver and golden vessels that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple

in Jerusalem were stored in the "house of his god" (Dan. 1:2). This action

symbolized that he considered his god greater than the God of the Temple in

Jerusalem. But Nebuchadnezzar had been shown by a number of experiences

that this concept was false. He finally had come to see that the God of heaven

was a God of gods, and King of kings.

Belshazzar, however, had not learned this lesson. He had refused to consider

the evidence. There was no good reason for him to ask for the vessels from the

Jerusalem temple to be brought to the palace on this occasion. But one step in the

wrong direction often leads to another. Belshazzar added to his sin of drunken

revelry the sin of presumption. That which had been dedicated to God's use was

now to be used for a purely secular use. Men and women who had no concept of

the sacred, no reverence for the true God, were to touch and handle the vessels as

though they were ordinary objects to be treated as they pleased.

The vessels were no doubt beautifully formed and shaped. The craftsmen had

used unusual skill in preparing them for sacred use. We can imagine the delight

of the guests as they saw the beauty and preciousness of the vessels brought in

for their use.

Instead of being impressed with the dedication of those who had prepared

the vessels for use in the temple and instead of recognizing them as symbols

of the service of the one true God, what did the guests at Belshazzar's feast

begin to do? Dan. 5:4.

They could not see beyond the object before them. Like others who serve the

creature rather than the Creator (Rom. I :25), they praised gods who are no gods.

The entire company engaged in an act that insulted God and showed their prefer-

ence for the worship of anything but the One who deserved their worship.

TUE



3. From Arrogance to Fear (Dan. 5:6, 7).

Besides natural fear what contributed to the king's terrified reaction

when he saw the supernatural handwriting on the wall? Verse 6.

The king felt secure within the walls of Babylon. He had the support of a

thousand of his lords gathered about him. He was experiencing the warmth of

drink and food in his stomach. But suddenly he felt helpless and hopeless.

It was obvious that there was a Power that was able to come

unbidden to his feast.

That Power had written with a finger on the plaster of the walls. The writing was so

prominent that he could not avoid seeing it. This was not a case of

illusion, nor even delirium tremens, frightening as that could have been. The

supernatural was manifesting itself. "The terror was heightened by an accusing

conscience, which roused itself and filled the king with dark forebodings."—

SDA

Bible Commentary,

vol. 4, p. 802.

SEARCH AND LEARN: What was the reaction of other human beings

whose encounters with God are described in the Bible?

Moses (Ex. 3:1-5)



Isaiah (Isa. 6:1-5)



John (Rev. 1:17)



The physical aspects mentioned in connection with the king's expression of

fear are striking: his face became ashen; nervous movements indicated that he

could not think what to do; he lost control of his joints so that his thighs wobbled

unnaturally and his knees knocked against one another uncontrollably. The king

who had been so self-assured at the beginning of the banquet, had become a

pitiable object of despair.

Crying aloud for the wise men of Babylon to be brought in to read the hand-

writing on the wall, he promised that if anyone could read the writing and inter-

pret it he would give that person the highest honor next to his own in the land.

The interpreter also would be clothed in scarlet, and a golden chain would be

placed around his neck.

II. JUDGMENT ON BABYLON (Dan. 5:8-31).

The moment had come for king and subjects to face the results of their rebel-

lion before the Judge of all the earth. They must listen to the sentence He was

about to pronounce. They had reached a point in their lives that all of us must

reach—the time of evaluation and judgment.

The Failure of the Elite (verses 8, 9).

Imagine the scene. See the king and his guests cowering. There is a deadly

hush, except for the whispering among the scholars as they try to make sense of

what is written on the wall. But they do not have a clue. Shamefacedly they

confess their ignorance and inability to solve the problem.

Greater consternation takes hold of the king. The lords fall into deep perplex-

ity. What can all this mean? Who can deliver them from their dilemma?

What viable solution did the queen mother offer for their dilemma? Dan.

5:10-12.

With proper reserve and dignity, the queen mother had refrained from taking

part in the banquet. But when she heard of what had happened in the hall—for

bad news has a way of traveling rapidly—she hurried in to tell the king that there

was someone in the kingdom who was able to read the writing on the wall be-

cause (1) he had the spirit of the holy gods, (2) he had proved his expertise on

previous occasions, and (3) because of his great skill he had been made the

president of the wise men by Nebuchadnezzar. The queen mother urged that

Daniel be called in to solve the problem.

THINK IT THROUGH: As you recall, this was not the first time that the

wise men of Babylon had failed their ruler in an emergency. When wise men

today prove not to be so wise, what can we do to direct people to the Source

of truth?

In each case when the wise men failed, a captive Jew was able to provide what

the king needed, not through some personal quality or insight, but because he

was in touch with the Revealer of Mysteries—the God of heaven. God not only

knows everything, but is prepared to share that information with human beings if

doing so will help men and women recognize the difference between the false

and the true God.

THINK IT THROUGH: The conflict between true and false wisdom contin-

ues down to our own day. Can you give examples?

Daniel's Dialogue with the King (Dan. 5:13-24).

Because of the gift of prophecy Daniel had no difficulty in interpreting the

writing on the wall. But before he gave the king the interpretation, he let Bel-

shazzar know that he was not interested in any reward. For one thing, the reward

would be meaningless with the fall of Babylon. For another, as a servant of God

he needed no inducement to serve the king, even though the king was unworthy

of honor. Daniel's life was dedicated to service. He would use his skills and his

connection with heaven to do what he could to help people.

Daniel also took advantage of the moment to preach a sermonette. He wanted

the king to know the real source of his tragedy. It was that he had not learned the

lessons God had taught his grandfather, Nebuchadnezzar. God had humbled the

grandfather and taken the dominion away from him until he had acknowledged

the true God and made a proclamation to this effect. But Belshazzar had know-

ingly and willfully despised the God of the Jewish captives by dishonoring the

vessels that had been dedicated to sacred service in the temple at Jerusalem. He

had praised the gods of gold and silver, gods which in reality did not exist except

in the imagination of those who should have known better.

What happens when people turn away from the evidence of their own

eyes? Rom 1:20-23.

THINK IT THROUGH: Are we grateful for what God is doing and has

done for us? How do we show our gratitude?

3. Judgment Pronounced and Executed (Dan. 5:25-31).

What significance did the handwriting on the wall have for the king of

Babylon? Verses 25-28.

The words transliterated in the Bible may not have much meaning for us. But

Daniel's interpretation was clear. The period of political supremacy for Babylon

had come to an end. The king and those associated with him in rulership had

proved unworthy of the privilege granted to them. The kingdom was about to

pass into the hands of another political power, that of the Medes and the Per-

sians.

No one listening to Daniel's interpretation could have mistaken the import of

the writing on the wall if he or she had been sober and in his or her right mind.

Was this the case with the king and his courtiers? We do not know. How empty

the award ceremony must have been to Daniel as he was clothed with scarlet, a

gold chain was put around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third ruler in the

land! We do not read that he resisted the proceedings. No doubt he showed his

usual tact and regard for high position, even though in his heart he knew the

honor was worthless.

What is the significance of the speed with which the pronounced judg-

ment was executed? Verse 30.

Sometimes execution of judgment is delayed, with the hope that repentance

will bring about a change in circumstances so that there can be a change of

outcome. Jonah prophesied that Nineveh would be destroyed in forty days, but

when the inhabitants of Nineveh refiented, from the king down to the humblest

subject, there was a stay of execution. (See Jonah 3:10.) God does not take

pleasure in the death of anyone. He wants people to repent and thus make it

possible for Him to give them life. (See Isa. 55:7.) But when there is no more

okbauv?

Wei hed

Found

Wanting

Lesson

hope of change; when people have made an irrevocable choice, God in His jus-

tice must recognize their choice. In that way their probation is closed.

What has the destruction of the wicked at the end of time been called and

what significance do you see in these words? Isa. 28:21.

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Read "The Unseen Watcher" in

Prophets and Kings,

pp. 522-538.

A striking last-day application of the writing on the wall is found in

Early

Writings: "I

saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus' work

was done in the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues. These

plagues enraged the wicked against the righteous; they thought that we had

brought the judgments of God upon them, and that if they could rid the earth of

us, the plagues would then be stayed. A decree went forth to slay the saints,

which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of

Jacob's trouble. Then all the saints cried out with anguish of spirit, and were

delivered by the voice of God. The 144,000 triumphed. Their faces were lighted

up with the glory of God. Then I was shown a company who were howling in

agony. On their garments was written in large characters, 'Thou art weighed in

the balance, and found wanting.' I asked who this company were. The angel

said, 'These are they who have once kept the Sabbath and have given it up.' I

heard them cry with a loud voice, 'We have believed in Thy coming, and taught

it with energy.' And while they were speaking, their eyes would fall upon their

garments and see the writing, and they would wail aloud. I saw that they had

drunk of the deep waters, and fouled the residue with their feet—trodden the

Sabbath underfoot—and that was why they were weighed in the balance and

found wanting

."—Prophets

and Kings,

pp. 36, 37.

SUMMARY:

This fifth chapter of Daniel presents a sad commentary on how the

wisdom of parents is not always passed on to the children. It is a blessing when

children turn out to be good in spite of the wickedness of the parents. The fact is

that although there are influences both ways, each person has to make his or her

own choice. Upon that choice rests the individual's eternal destiny.

APPLICATION:

•

It is amazing how we people can become attached to gods that are not gods.

Can you explain this fact of history? Can God do more than He has done to

reveal Himself and turn people's minds to the truth? Think about how God has

revealed Himself to you in times past.

Why do people drink and smoke when they know it does them harm? What

can you share from your own experience as being the best way to keep people

from forming bad habits?

Why does the exercise of power tend to corrupt? If you are in a position of

authority do you pray that God will help you to use your authority in the way

that would please Him? Is it true to say that all of us have a sphere of authority

which we cannot escape? Name some spheres of authority which even the

humblest person has.

Survival of the -Jolliest

THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Daniel 6.

SAB

MEMORY TEXT: "I will

say

of the Lord, He is my refuge and my

fortress: my God; in him will I trust" (Ps. 91:2).

CENTRAL THOUGHT:

Those who will inherit the kingdom of heaven, are

not necessarily the strongest physically, the smartest intellectually, or the brav-

est socially. They are those who have dedicated their lives to God's service, and

who will not let any pressure or circumstance cause them to turn aside from

doing God's will. They live to please God.

Overview: Daniel 6

Verses 1-9

Verses 10-20

Verses 21-28

An Evil Plot

Deliverance Sought

A Lesson Taught

INTRODUCTION:

The events of chapter six took place in Babylon, but under

a new administration. The Neo-Babylonian empire came to an end with the fall

of Babylon to the Medes and Persians. A Median king, Darius, was set up by

Cyrus, as shadow king in Babylon itself.

The new ruler was sixty-two years of age, experienced, but finding it a little

difficult to adapt himself to the new circumstances. He knew what he wanted to

do, but found the various pressure groups in Babylon rather overpowering. Dan-

iel must have been in his eighties. Because of his wisdom and skill he seems to

have won the confidence of Darius. Daniel was tactful and recognized as pa-

tently honest. Darius found in him one he could trust, even though he had served

under the previous administration.

I. AN EVIL PLOT (Dan. 6:1-9).

It does not matter what kind of government is in power, there always will be

personal differences between officials and personal preferences shown by lead-

ers. Such matters decide the efficiency of the government. At some stage a

choice has to be made of people to fill positions. When that choice is made there

are some who approve and some who disapprove.

1. Daniel Honored (Verses 1-3).

On what basis did Darius choose to place Daniel highest in the hierarchy

of administration? Verse 3.

NOTE some of the characteristics that made Daniel stand out as a leader

of men:

Age.

By the time Darius began his rule Daniel was a respected older coun-

selor. Often maturity is a factor in gaining the respect of others. Of course, age

by itself is not sufficient to qualify people for high office, especially if their age

involves the weakening of their powers. Because of the blessing of God on his

faithful witness, Daniel became an influential counselor while still a young man.

Experience.

Because some people do not learn much from experience,

experience alone is not a sufficient basis for leadership. But those who grow

with the responsibilities given them can approach new tasks with the confidence

that comes from having been successful before.

Education.

Daniel not only knew the history of his own people, but was

well-versed in the learning of the Babylonians. There is nothing to be gained

from ignorance. Daniel was able to understand and communicate. Those with

whom he came in contact could have confidence that he knew what he was

talking about.

Integrity.

Daniel could be trusted to be honest and straightforward. He did

not let such biases as those of race, rank, or wealth sway him one way or the

other. He sought to be just, fair, and merciful.

God-fearing and pious.

Daniel knew and worshiped God. He communed

with Him, receiving wisdom and guidance in his daily duties. He did not wear

his religion on his sleeve, but everyone knew that he was a follower of the true

God.

THINK IT THROUGH: Can you think of other characteristics that would

come under the heading of "an excellent spirit"? List them below and be

prepared to share them in class discussion.

2. Professional Jealousy (Dan. 6:4).

What is significant about the way the presidents and the princes reacted

to the appointment of Daniel to the highest post in the realm? Verse 4.

THINK IT THROUGH: What do you think is included in the term

"faithful"? Would you include the following:

He never accepted a bribe to swerve him in his judgments.

He never granted favors on a purely personal basis.

He never used public funds for his personal needs.

He never undermined properly-constituted authority by sympathizing with

dissidents.

He never wasted time.

He lived up to the highest principles of right living.

He always sought to understand people, work for their best interests, and

give good counsel.

He took his responsibilities seriously.

Professional jealousy lay at the basis of the opposition to Daniel's preferment.

TRUE

Undoubtedly there were other factors, such as racial prejudice against one who

originally was a captive. Whatever else may have been involved, the feelings

were so strong that the other presidents and some of the princes were seeking

some legitimate reason for destroying Daniel.

3. The Plot (Dan. 6:5-9).

What area of Daniel's personal life did the presidents and princes choose

as the area of attack and why? Verse 5.

In the matter of doing what he understood that God required of him Daniel

was steadfast and firm. At the very beginning of the captivity he had purposed

not to be defiled with the food that came from the king's table. He had pursued

his goal tactfully, but with determination. If he had been on the plain of Dura, he

would have taken the same stand as his three companions and refused to bow

down to the golden image, even though the threatened result of disobedience

was death. Daniel knew that God would not let anyone down who was deter-

mined to be faithful to Him. The prophet was not afraid to talk plainly to Nebu-

chadnezzar about his need to be humble and give God the glory for everything

that he possessed. He was not slow to rebuke Belshazzar before the assembled

nobles, nor to speak plainly of impending personal disaster. The presidents and

the princes knew that if they could bring in some regulation that affected the

principles by which Daniel lived, they would be able to put him on the wrong

side of the law—not the law of God, but the law of the king.

The scheine proposed had to do with prayer or making petitions. For thirty

days no one in the kingdom was to offer a prayer to or make a petition of any

god. The king alone was to be the one to whom petitions were presented during

that period. The king, who could think of no reason why anyone should have

problems with not going to the temple and not praying for thirty days, was flat-

tered with the thought that he was the only one that anyone should come to with a

petition. He readily agreed to sign the decree proposed by a majority of the

officals whom he had appointed.

SEARCH AND LEARN: Study the texts that follow and indicate some of •

the reasons Daniel could not go along with the king's decree:

Psalm 55:16, 17



Psalm 122.6



Jer. 29:7, 12-14

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In no way could Daniel cease praying for even one day, let alone for 30 days.

The expressed will of his God was clear. He would not disobey.

II. DELIVERANCE SOUGHT (Dan. 6:10-20).

1. Daniel's Faithful Witness (verse 10).

How did Daniel respond as soon as he heard of the decree that King Da-

rius had sighed? Dan. 6:10.

There are some significant points to note in this verse:

Daniel continued without hesitation to follow his regular prayer habits. If

he had to make a choice between doing what was right, and disobeying the law

of the land, he would do what was right.

Daniel did not protest the new law before the king. After all, the king could

do as he pleased, and to attempt a protest in the circumstances would only create

misunderstandings. The king would have to live with his decisions, just as all of

us have to live with the choices we make.

The windows in the upstairs room (see verse 10, NIV) in Daniel's home

were open toward Jerusalem. This indicates the direction of Daniel's thought; he

was concerned about Jerusalem. Furthermore, Solomon in his dedicatory prayer

of the temple, had suggested that effective prayer should be offered in the direc-

tion of Jerusalem. (See 2 Chron. 6:26, 34,

38.)

Daniel's worship patterns were no secret. Open windows do not keep out

prying eyes. Nor did Daniel feel that he ought to keep his religious practices

secret. Even when he would be breaking the law of the land by praying, he felt

that the honest thing to do was to continue worshiping openly as he had done

before. To do otherwise would be to show fear of what people may do, or to

practice deceit.

Daniel was not doing something merely to be contrary. He did not take

pleasure in breaking the law, or issue a challenge with a sense of bravado. In the

circumstances his conscience told him that he must be true to his religious princi-

ples. He must be true to God. To do otherwise would be to deny his faith.

Daniel's attitude and practice at this time indicate how we should respond

in similar circumstances. How did Peter and the other apostles express the

principle that should guide our response? Acts 5:29.

Christians should not make themselves a nuisance or seek persecution. But

when the issue is straightforward and clear—when it is a question of human law

being opposed to God's law—Christians must determine to follow God's will, no

matter what the consequences.

The



Accusation (Dan. 6:11-13).

The'

presidents and the princes did not go to Daniel in order to try to persuade

him to:Change his practices. Their minds were closed. They were out to destroy

him and his influence.

THINK IT THROUGH: How do you react when you hear of such injus-

tices? How do you respond if you happen to be the victim? How far should

we go in defending ourselves in such cases?

When we suffer from this kind of injustice we need to pray that we may react

like Daniel; not seeking to destroy anyone, or even to show them up, but being

faithful in the line of our God-given duty.

3. The King's Response (Dan. 6:14-20).

King Darius demonstrated that he was honest, if misguided. He did not seek

to cause trouble to anyone, least of all on religious grounds. But he was subject

to flattery and manipulation.

How did Darius react when he heard that Daniel was in trouble over a

decree that the king had signed? Verse 14.

It is remarkable that Darius should be "sore displeased" with himself rather

than with Daniel. He knew that he had made a mistake. But because Daniel was

his first president the king should have consulted with Daniel before signing the

decree. Because he had been pressured into signing, he had not given the matter

sufficient thought. Now he was caught in a bind, trapped within the tradition that

the laws of the Medes and the Persians could not be changed.

Darius did everything he could to come up with some way of protecting Dan-

iel. The Scripture says that "he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver

him" (Dan. 6:14). The king consulted with several counselors, hoping to find a

loophole in the law. But no one could help him.

Finally the pressure group came back. They pointed out that Darius could not

change the terms of the decree. There could be one verdict alone that would fit

Daniel's case—that was to throw Daniel to the mercy of the lions. The king was

trapped by his own words. He was the captive of a pressure group, a victim of

national customs and traditions. Reluctantly, but nevertheless effectively, he was

forced to issue the command: Daniel was to be thrown to the lions. Darius's one

consolation was that he could hope that Daniel's God would deliver him.

What does the way that the king spent the rest of that day and night

reveal about the genuineness of his concern? (Dan. 6:18). What did he do

early the next morning? (Dan. 6:19, 20).

III. A LESSON TAUGHT (Dan. 6:21-28).

The story of Daniel's escape from the lions is a familiar one, but we never tire

of hearing it rehearsed. Why is that? Is it because of the ending: right prevails

and wickedness is punished? Or is it because we can identify with Darius and

Daniel? Perhaps it is because we so often see wrong prevailing, and are de-

lighted when wrong finally is overthrown. We are sympathetic with the weak-

ness of Darius, glad for the strength of Daniel, but supremely happy for a God in

heaven who can shut the mouths of lions when it is best for His work on earth.

SEARCH AND LEARN: What character traits of Daniel are brought out in

the last part of this story?

•

Verse 20



•

Verse 22



•

Verse 23



What kind of a God did Darius recognize Daniel's God to be? Verses 26-

28.

THINK IT THROUGH: God often sends His angels to protect us. Am I

aware of a circumstance in which God sent divine protection?

The confession of the king is the major concern in this part of the lesson. Just

as in the case of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, Darius the king of the

Medes issued a proclamation that went to every part of the empire. The God of

Daniel was exalted. He is not only the living God, but He rules a kingdom that

will have no end. Furthermore, He is active in the affairs of this planet. He

delivers and rescues. He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth. Once

again a heathen king was led to recognize a God greater than any god he had seen

before. Darius came to see that worship belongs to the true God alone.

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Read the chapter entitled "In the

Lions' Den," in

Prophets and Kings,

pp. 539-548.

Meditate on this thought:

Ours will be a beautiful relationship with God when

we can say in every circumstance, Our trust is in God and we shall do what is

right, by His grace, whatever may be the consequences.

Consider the following:

"The spirit that possessed Daniel, the youth of today

may have; they may draw from the same source of strength, possess the same

power of self-control, and reveal the same grace in their lives, even in circum-

stances as unfavorable."—Prophets

and Kings,

pp. 489, 490.

SUMMARY:

Although Daniel was a captive in a foreign land, his lot had fallen

on pleasant places. Yet the pleasantness that surrounded him did not dull his

ability to remain true under unpleasant circumstances. Even in a lion's den his

faith remained strong. God turned a horrifying event into a spectacular opportu-

nity to witness to a new empire.

APPLICATION:

•

What do you see in Daniel that made him a person that God could use

effectively for His purposes? How can you, with the Lord's help, develop

more of the same characteristics?

•

What other applications do you find in this story?

Work(lily Powers and a

Heave* Court

THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Daniel chapter 7.

MEMORY TEXT: "Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?"

(Gen. 18:25).

CENTRAL THOUGHT:

All receive a just reward for their deeds. (See Eccl.

12:13, 14.) The Judge of all the earth is long-suffering, but eventually He will

act to vindicate His name and His people.

OVERVIEW: Daniel 7

Vision

Interpretation

Four beasts and a little horn—

vss. 1-8

Four kingdoms and a

persecuting power—

vss. 15-21, 23-25

The judgment scene in heaven—

vss. 9-12



Judgment takes away

dominion—vs. 26

The Son of man coming to Ancient

of Days—vss. 13, 14

Dominion given to the

saints—vss. 22, 27

Daniel troubled—vs. 28

INTRODUCTION:

This chapter begins the second half of the book of Daniel—

the half that focuses on Daniel's visions, his reactions to them, and a revelation

of events that are to take place from Daniel's day to the end of time. This chapter

has been called a "fascinating, tantalizing, and challenging" one.

The dream described in this chapter was given in the first year of the reign of

Belshazzar about 550/549 B.C. Assuming that Daniel was 18 years old when he

was taken captive in 605 B.C., he would be about 73 years old. Nebuchadnezzar

died in 562 B.C.

le was succeeded by his son, Amel-Marduk. But Amel-

Marduk reigned 'only two years. He was killed by his brother-in-law,

Neriglissar, who reigned only four years. Neriglissar's son was on the throne

only a few months when Nabonidus, a Babylonian nobleman who was married

to Nebuchadneztiar's daughter, seized the reins of government. Because

Nabonidus preferred to live in Tema in Arabia, he placed his son, Belshazzar, on'

the throne as second in command. Babylon obviously was in a state of decline.

As a statesman, Daniel would be watching events with great interest. The

golden days of Babylon apparently had passed. What would the future hold in

store? How would Nebuchadnezzar's dream be fulfilled? How long would God

put up with violence and injustice? God graciously gave Daniel a dream in order

to provide some answers to these questions.

Worldly Powers Heavenly Court Lesson



February

I. THE VISION (Dan. 7:1-14).

Jesus told His disciples that He did not consider them servants, but friends.

(See John 15:15.) God treats us as His friends when He reveals His secrets to us

through His servants the prophets. (See Amos 3:7.)

1. Four Beasts and a Little Horn (Verses 1-8).

In the teaching process visual aids are important; a picture is worth a thousand

words! Particularly when it came to prophecy, God chose to illustrate coming

events in vivid representational images.

Why is it profitable to review the course of history as developed in Bible

prophecy?

"A careful study of the working out of God's purpose in the history of nations

and in the revelation of things to come, will help us to estimate at their true value

things seen and things unseen, and to learn what is the true aim of life. Thus,

viewing the things of time in the light of eternity, we may, like Daniel and his

fellows, live for that which is true and noble and enduring. And learning in this

life the principles of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, that blessed kingdom

which is to endure for ever and ever, we may be prepared at His coming to enter

with Him into its possession.

"—Prophets and Kings,

p. 548.

Describe in your own words each beast or power introduced in verses 2-8:

The first beast



The second beast



The third beast



The fourth beast



The little horn•



Re-read Daniel 7:2-8 to make sure you have left nothing important out of your

description.

2. The Judgment Scene in Heaven (Dan. 7:9-12).

If Daniel had wondered how long God would tolerate injustice, violence, and

blasphemy he was not left in doubt. Even while things are happening on earth,

momentous preparations are being made in heaven; there is to be a judgment in

which the wicked and the just are separated, and sentence will be pronounced on

the wicked. "A symbolic representation of the great final assize [judgment],

fixing the destinies of men and of nations, is here brought to view.

"—SDA Bible

Commentary,

vol. 4, p. 828.

SEARCH AND LEARN: Answer the questions that follow:

1. What is the significance of the title given to the One who will take His

seat as Judge? Dan. 7:9.

How did Moses similarly address God? Psalm 90:2. '

Summarize how the psalmist speaks of God as Judge in Psalm 50:1-6.

How did Moses describe God to the children of Israel? Deut. 4:24.

What does fire issuing from God do? Psalm 97:3.

ILLUMINATION:

"Daniel is shown the final judgment in both its phases, in-

vestigative and executive. . . . The investigation is not conducted for the infor-

mation of God or of Christ, but for the information of the universe at large—that

God may be vindicated in accepting some and rejecting others."—SDA

Bible

Commentary,

vol. 4, p. 828.

"The judgment was set."

The words are simple, but the implications are tre-

mendous! The fate of every individual will be decided forever.

"The books were opened."

The Bible refers to a number of "books" of

records.

SEARCH AND LEARN: Read the following texts and list the names of the

books indicated:

Ps. 69:28



Mal. 3:16



Phil 4



Rev 3



Rev. 20:12



The records are kept so that anyone in the universe who might challenge God's

justice can have access to the facts involved.

What is one outcome of the judgment? Dan. 7:11.

As a result of the judgment the persecuting beast and the blasphemous horn

will be destroyed. God is the source of life, but the wages of sin and rebellion is

death. Note how thorough the destruction will be: (I) The beast is slain, and the

horn with it—it can no longer be active, (2) the body is destroyed—there is no

possibility of its reappearance, and (3) the body is given to the burning flame—

there is no possibility of contamination.

3. The Son of Man Coming to the Ancient of Days (Dan. 7:13, 14).

What do we learn about where the judgment takes place? Daniel 7:13.

What a contrast between this Person who comes to the Ancient of Days to

receive a kingdom, and the rulers of the world. They were likened to ferocious

beasts, and their rule came to an end. The one like the Son of man comes to

receive a kingdom which will never pass away.

Who is the "Son of man" mentioned as receiving the kingdom in Daniel

7:13, 14?

The evidence points Him out as "an individual eschatological heavenly

being." He is "the Michael (Daniel 10:13, 21, 12:1)"—Arthur Ferch, "The

Judgment Scene in Daniel 7," in

The Sanctuary and the Atonement

(Washing-

ton, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association), p. 165.

Jesus referred to Himself as the "Son of man." (See Matt. 8:20; 11:19;

16:13.) In this way He linked Himself with humanity. At the same time He did

not deny His divinity. (See Matt. 9:6; 24:30; Mark 2:28.)

ILLUMINATION:

"God has adopted human nature in the person of His Son,

and has carried the same into the highest heaven. It is the 'Son of man' who

shares the throne of the universe."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 25.

When does this event of Christ coming to the Ancient of Days to receive a

kingdom take place?

"The coming of Christ as our high priest to the most holy place, for the cleans-

ing of the sanctuary, [is] represented.

"—The Great Controversy,

p. 426. "While

still in heaven, Christ receives the kingdom from His Father and then returns to

earth for His saints."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

vol. 4, p. 830.

II. THE INTERPRETATION (Dan. 7:15-27).

How was Daniel affected by the vision? Dan. 7:15. Why do you think that

this was so? To whom did Daniel go for enlightenment? Verse 16.

It is a sign of wisdom when we go to the right place for information. Unfortu-

nately sinful beings have a tendency to go to the wrong places. (See Isa. 8:19.)

When we need light we must turn to the source of light.

1. Four Kingdoms and a Persecuting Power (Dan. 7:17-21, 23-25).

COMPARE the beasts of Daniel 7 with the image of Daniel 2 by studying the

chart that follows. Note which empires or powers were represented.

Lesson



February



World) Powers

Heavenly

Court

COMPARISON OF DANIEL'S SYMBOLIC VISIONS

DANIEL 7



DANIEL

44:7,

\‘,

LION

BABYLON

GOLD



zip '

BEAR

PERSIA

SILVER

#1"

iCod

BRASSilan

..„



LEOPA

RDr71

GREECE

I ta

IOW



40,7

MIA

FIERCE BEAST

ROME

IRON

LITTLE

HORN



DIVIDED

KINGDOMS

•

--6



IRON AND

CLAY

JUDGMENT

1,__Iff

CHRIST'S

KINGDOM

STONE



"....f.



What phase of the vision impressed Daniel so much that he wanted to

know more about it? Dan. 7: 19-21.

What do verses 23 through 25 contribute that help us identify the little

horn power about which Daniel was so concerned?

In what way might the little horn's attempts to change times and laws be

considered one form of blasphemy?

Times:

It is God who ordains times and seasons. (See Gen. 1:14.) For

instance, the day is formed by the rotation of the earth on its own axis, but it

begins with sunset, the evening is followed by the morning in the reckoning of a

day. The Sabbath was to be counted from even to even. (See Lev. 23:32.) The

week is not linked specifically to an astronomical feature. It was divinely desig-

nated during the creation week. God was engaged in the creative process for six

days, and on the seventh day He rested. (See Gen. 2:1-3.) He hallowed the day,

and set it apart as a day of rest. Any attempt to change the time or day of wor-

ship, would be an attempt to change what God has revealed in the Bible. No one

can change what God has laid down without expressing rebellion against God.

Laws:

There are human and divine laws. Human laws, being made by

human authorities can be changed by such powers, but no power can change

God's laws. Any human organization or power that claims to speak for God, or

enjoins beliefs and practices that are not sanctioned in God's revealed Word is

guilty of blasphemy because it takes the place of God.

Has such a power appeared in history? Many Protestant interpreters of proph-

ecy, in common with Seventh-day Adventists, have recognized such a power in

the Papacy. That power claims to be able to formulate beliefs not found in the

Bible and to have changed the day of worship for Christians from the seventh

day to the first.

How long would the little horn exercise its dominating power? Dan.

7:25.

The expression "time and times and the dividing of time" represents a period

of 1260 years. This finds its fulfilment in the period 538-1798 A.D. (See the

SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 4, pp. 833, 834.) During that period the Papacy

largely dominated life in Europe, persecuted dissidents, and made a number of

changes in forms of worship that have no biblical support. Since the end of that

prophetic period in 1798 we have been living in the era that Bible prophecy

designates as the "time of the end."

The vision of Daniel 8, given two years later, gives added insights to the

vision recorded in Daniel 7. Gabriel explained to Daniel that the vision was for

the "time of the end" (Dan. 8:17). In a series of time of the end prophecies in

Daniel 11:40; 12:1, 4, 9, the 1260 day-year prophecy is linked to and precedes

the time of the end. (See Dan..12:7.) The time of the end is followed by Christ's

deliverance of His people. (See Dan. 12:1.)

Lesson



Februar



World' Powers Heaven' Court

SEARCH AND LEARN: Complete the chart that follows in order to clarify

how the 1260 day-year period is tied in with the prophecies found in the

Book of Revelation:

1260-year text

Period Mentioned

Context in Revelation

Rev. 11:2

42 months

Parallel to Dan. 7:7, 23

Rev. 11:3

1260 days

Rev. 12:6

1260 days

"Wilderness" period—

church persecuted

Rev. 12:14

2 1/2 times

Rev. 13:5

42 months

When the first beast of

Rev. 13 is in power

When these prophecies in Revelation are combined with those in Daniel, it

becomes clear that this prophecy covers an expanded period of time and cannot

be isolated to a literal period of three-and-one-half years.

2. Judgment Takes Away Dominion (Dan. 7:26).

In the world there often is miscarriage of justice, but that is not true in the

universe where God is the supreme Judge. What may seem to be delay really is

never delay. God in His wisdom and mercy delays sentence and execution until it

is apparent to all created beings that God is right and needs to take action. Then

action comes.

How is the certainty of the judgment indicated in Daniel 7:26? What is

taken away from the persecuting powers?

3. Dominion Given to the Saints (Dan. 7:22, 27).

What else indicates that the apparent success of the little horn is only

temporary? Dan. 7:22.

All of us are responsible for our actions. (See Romans 14:10-12.) All will

have to face the Great Judge. Therefore we should take into consideration every-

thing that will affect the determination about our future, including being careful

about judging others. (See Matt. 7:1.) It is human to condemn others who do not

think as we do, but we must remember that all of us have been sinners.

Who eventually will inherit the kingdom that lasts forever? Dan. 7:27.

The English word "saint" has come to mean someone holy, someone excep-

tionally meek, charitable, and patient. What did Daniel mean by the word he

used? The word that he used has two basic meanings: (1) that which has been

separated and (2) spiritual power. In all their relationships God's people are to

reflect the image of God. They are what they are, not so much from self-disci-

pline, but because they have accepted the call of God and yielded their lives to

Him. God is able to work in and through them.

Why do you think Daniel still was "troubled" (verse 28) after he had been

given the interpretation?

Keep this question in mind as we study the rest of the book. The answer will

become clearer as we progress in our study.

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Read pp. 51-55 in the chapter enti-

tled "An Era of Spiritual Darkness," in

The Great Controversy.

SUMMARY:

God gave Daniel a vision that would enable him to see that,

whereas violence and persecution would increase in the world, God is in control.

He is the great Judge who will see to it that truth will triumph in the end. Worldly

powers, presented in the dream of Nebuchadnezzar as deteriorating in the main-

tenance of moral standards, are presented to Daniel as increasing in fierceness

and violence. The climax of worldly arrogance is seen in the rise of a little horn

that speaks "great things." While terrible things are taking place on earth, a

tribunal is being set up in heaven that will judge the things that are happening on

the earth according to records that are kept. The arrogant powers of earth will be

condemned and destroyed, while the Son of man with the saints will be given an

everlasting dominion that will never be destroyed.

APPLICATION:

Review the indications given in this chapter as to what will be

the standards by which all are judged. Do I measure up to these standards? What

are some of the things that I still need to overcome by the grace of God?

NOTES:

Adult

Lesson

February 2-28

World Powers Oppose

God's Truth

THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Daniel 8.

SAB

MEMORY

MEMORY TEXT: "Here is the patience of the saints: here are tlie'y



that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (Rev.

14:12).

CENTRAL THOUGHT: The power symbolized by the little horn grows to a

great size and dares to raise itself in opposition to the revealed truths of God's

plan of salvation. It apparently prospers for a time in its designs, but God's truth

will triumph in the end. The period of conflict will be long, but the issue is not in

doubt.

OVERVIEW: Daniel 8

Dan. 8:1-14—The Vision

Dan. 8:15-27—The Interpretation

The ram and the goat—vss. 1-7

The notable horn, the four

horns, and the little horn—

vss. 8-12

The Bible's longest time

prophecy—vss. 13, 14

The source of understanding—

vss.



15-19

The powers involved—vss. 20-25

A long time involved—vss. 26-27

INTRODUCTION: After receiving the vision recorded in chapter 7, Daniel

had troubled thoughts (Dan. 7:28). No doubt the concept of a blasphemous

power wearing out the saints upset him. (See verse 25.) Naturally, he would ask,

Why does God allow this? But he was wise enough to keep the matter to himself.

He did not want to sow seeds of doubt or spread discouragement. Two years

after the vision of the four beasts his concerns still were unsolved. How long

would the Neo-Babylonian empire last under Nabonidus and his son, Belshaz-

zar?

Meanwhile Daniel could see a rising empire in the East. Although the Medes

seemed to be in decline, Persia was rising under a new leader, Cyrus. Daniel was

acquainted with Isa. 45:1-6. He must have been quite excited about the new

leader because of what Isaiah's prophecy said he would do for Jerusalem and its

temple. (See Isa. 44:28.)

It would still be something close to ten years before Babylon would fall, but

God graciously revealed to Daniel the high points of the future. God knows the

end from the beginning. He is aware of the future rise and fall of nations. In fact,

in spite of sin and the freedom of choice given to all beings, God still controls the

final outcome. God's truth will triumph.

I. THE VISION (Dan. 8:1-14).

Although there is a clear parallel between the vision of chapter 7 and this

chapter, there is an important difference. We can find no reference to Babylon as

a world power in this vision.

1. The Ram and the Goat (Dan. 8:1-7).

Describe in your own words the first animal Daniel saw, and what the

animal was doing. Daniel 8:3, 4.

The ram in the vision represented Medo-Persia. (See verse 20.) In the pre-

vious vision, Medo-Persia was represented by a bear. Both animals are strong

and can be very aggressive. In the first vision the bear was represented as de-

vouring much flesh (Dan. 7:5). In this vision the ram was pushing in three main

directions, and was not being checked in its onward progress. The bear rose up

on one side, indicating that Persia would rise above Media. As for the ram, it had

one horn higher than the other, the one that had come up last. There thus are

some definite parallels between the vision in chapter 7 and the one in chapter 8.

MAP STUDY:

Note how the Ram (Persia) would be pressing northward into

Asia Minor; westward to Babylon and Palestine; and southward to Egypt. You

can also see by the extent of the territory covered that the ram had become

"great" (Dan. 8:4).

GREECE

CIS2

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

Territory extended

eastward nearly to

the Indus River.

PTOLEMY

ALEXANDER'S EMPIRE

DIVIDED INTO

FOUR KINGDOMS

IN 301 B.C.

The next animal that came on the scene was a he-goat, which, like the ram, is

not a wild animal but symbolizes leadership and aggressiveness.

After reading verses 5-7, describe the activities of the he-goat in your own

words.

2. The Notable Horn, the Four Horns, and the Little Horn (Dan. 8:8-12).

What was the experience of the he-goat after it had overcome the ram?

Dan. 8:8.

In his turn the he-goat (Greece—see verse 21) became great. But at the height

of its power, the horn that was between its eyes (the first king, Alexander), that

had caused so much damage to the ram, suddenly was broken, bringing the

notable horn to its untimely end.

Four horns took the place of the broken one in the Greek Empire, and spread

out in four directions, as illustrated on the map below.

"Out of one of them."

This expression has caused difficulty because the gen-

der of the pronouns used is opposite to that of horns. Some suggest that

them

may refer to the winds. A careful study of the passage in its context, comparing

it with Daniel 2 and 7, strongly suggests that the little horn "represents Rome in

both its phases, pagan and papal. Daniel saw Rome first in its pagan, imperial

phase, warring against the Jewish people and the early Christians, and then in its

papal phase, continuing down to our own day and into the future, warring

against the true church."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

vol. 4, p. 841.

Rome was to the west in relation to Greece. It was to expand toward the south,

Egypt; to the east, the Seleucid empire; and to the Holy Land.

In what other direction was the little horn to attempt to expand? Dan.

8:10-12.

The horn expanded horizontally in its political power. But not satisfied with

that it attempted to expand in a vertical direction. Daniel 8:10 says "to the host

of heaven," and Daniel 8:11 says "to the prince of the host." Gerhard Hasel has

concluded that "the activity of the little horn power is ) one of horizontal

expansion (possibly also attempting to become strong through idolatrous wor-

ship) and (2) persecution of the saints of God on earth."—A. V. Wallenkampf

and Richard Lesher, eds.,

The Sanctuary and the Atonement

(Washington,

D.C.: Biblical Research Institute, 1981), p. 188. In regard to the Prince of the

host, Hasel adds: "The verb expresses the notion that the 'little horn' power

arrogates to himself prerogatives that belong to none other than the 'prince of the

host.'

"—The Sanctuary and the Atonement,

p. 188. The "prince of the host"

is identified with Christ.

Another key term is found in Daniel 8:11, 12, namely, "daily." This is taken

away from the Prince of the host. The word

daily

literally means "continually,"

or "continual" or, according to Hasel, "continuance"

(The Sanctuary and the

Atonement,

p. 191). Hasel concludes: "The taking away of 'the continuance'

refers to the removal of the efficacies of Christ's heavenly ministry by Rome

through the introduction of substitute services, thus making ineffective Christ's

continual service in behalf of human beings."—The

Sanctuary and the Atone-

ment,

p. 191.

What do we learn about the little horn's attack on the sanctuary in Daniel

8:11?

"The 'little horn' power indicates again its anti-God activity which makes

ineffective the heavenly place of the sanctuary where Christ ministers in behalf

of His people."—The

Sanctuary and the Atonement,

p. 192. This is done

"through the establishment of a rival mediatorial system that diverted people's

attention from the high priestly work of Christ's intercession, thus depriving

them of the blessings of His ministry in the heavenly courts.

"—The Sanctuary

and the Atonement,

pp. 192, 193.

The great importance of Christ's ministry in the heavenly sanctuary may be

gathered from the following quotation: "The sanctuary in heaven is the very

center of Christ's work in behalf of men. It concerns every soul living upon the

earth. It opens to view the plan of redemption, bringing us down to the very

close of time, and revealing the triumphant issue of the contest between righ-

teousness and sin. It is of the utmost importance that all should thoroughly inves-

tigate these subjects, and be able to give to everyone that asketh them a reason

for the hope that is in them."—Ellen G. White,

Christ and His Sanctuary,

45.

WED

How does what the little horn would do relate to the preservation of

truth? Dan. 8:12.

This is a terrible indictment, especially if it is done knowingly and deliber-

ately. It is not for us to judge the motives or actions of others, but it is important

for us to know the truth and be sure that we are not being turned aside from it.

3. The Bible's Longest Time Prophecy (Dan. 8:13, 14).

At this point in the vision, what conversation did Daniel hear between one

saint and another? Dan. 8:13, 14.

The substitution of a false form of worship to take the place of the true, along

with a misleading teaching regarding the plan of salvation and Christ's

mediatorial ministry in heaven apparently were to last a long time.

What was it about the prediction in Daniel 8:13, 14 that seemed to trouble

Daniel the most? Verse 26.

Based on the Hebrew understanding of the year-day principle it would take a

long time (more than 2300 years from his time) before the final vindication of

God's truth and God's sanctuary in the judgment would begin. We can well

imagine how Daniel was shocked by this announcement of a long period of time

during which God's truth would be suppressed and God's people would be under

a cloud.

II. THE INTERPRETATION (Dan. 8:15-27).

What a blessing it is that the Bible does not leave us guessing in matters that

are important for us!

1. The Source of Understanding (Dan. 8:15-19).

How did Daniel come to an understanding of the vision he had seen? Dan.

8:15-18.

God wants us to be understanding creatures. He wants us to enter into His

plans and purposes. We are His friends if we do what He says. (See John 15:14.)

SEARCH AND LEARN: Who is the Gabriel who is commissioned to ex-

plain the vision to Daniel so that he will understand it? What do the follow-

ing texts indicate about Gabriel?

Luke 1:19



Luke 1:26-35



ILLUMINATION:

"The words of the angel, 'I am Gahtfa, that stand in the

presence of God,' show that he holds a position of higher honor in the heavenly

courts."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 99. In fact, he holds the position that Satan

once held. (See

The Desire of Ages,

p. 693.)

It is a privilege to have communications from heaven through the prophets.

There are so many things that we do not understand about ourselves and about

the way things happen in the world. God has not left us alone with our questions,

but in His Word He has revealed to us the principles of His government, and in

our daily walk with God we can receive guidance and understanding. (See Matt.

7:7;

John 15:7; James. 1:5.)

2. The Powers Involved (Dan. 8:20-25).

The history of the world is a history of political power in conflict. Why is this?

Historians suggest a number of factors, such as religion, economics, and geogra-

phy. More basic reasons are human sinfulness, greed, and thirst for power-,

What two important truths did Gabriel point to as he introduced his ex-

planation of the vision? Dan. 8:19.

There will be a time of indignation and wrath: God cannot let things go on

forever as they are. A time of judgment and fiery indignation is sure to come.

(See Heb. 10:27.)

The vision tells us of events leading up to the end. God has appointed

times. He is in control of what is happening on the earth. (See Acts 17:26, 31.)

REVIEW the explanation given earlier in the lesson of the beast and horn

symbols. Note how verses 20-22 make the identification positive.

What historic power alone can fit the description of the "king of fierce

countenance" introduced in verse 23 of this prophecy?

The horn that begins little and grows big, extending its power eastward and

southward and to the pleasant land, arises toward the end of the reign of the four

horns. For that reason it cannot be equated (as sometimes is done) with

Antiochus Epiphanes, one of the Seleucid kings, who reigned about the middle

of this period of the four horns. Actually Antiochus Epiphanes was too minor a

figure to be given much attention at this point in the prophecy. Maintaining the

parallel between chapters 2, 7, and 8, the little horn of verse 9 must refer to

Rome, the iron monarchy that developed in the west, and expanded eastward.

How do some of the outstanding characteristics of the power that rises

upon the decline of the Grecian empire help identify it as Rome? Dan. 8:23-

25.

"Fierce countenance."

The government will be oppressive.

"Understanding dark sentences."

The idea here is that of using ambiguous

language, double dealing, and taking advantage of situations for personal profit.

Perhaps we do not wish to get into every detail here, but the picture is not of a

world getting better, but a world getting worse, a world where might is right. It

is not surprising that "the holy people" (verse 24) are an object of attack, and so

is the "Prince of princes," who is Christ, for the power referred to in this proph-

ecy left behind all Christian principles of truth and righteousness. In these verses

Gabriel described Rome in both its pagan and papal aspects. History lets us

know that the Bishop of Rome inherited political power when the empire fell

before the barbarian invasions. In that sense it continued the Roman civil tradi-

tion when Europe was divided into a number of kingdoms and the administration

of the empire was transferred to Byzantium.

However, one element of hope can be found: "He shall be broken without

hand" (verse 25). God will put an end to all evil machinations. The wicked may

seem to prosper for a time, but a reckoning is sure to come.

3. A Long Time Involved (Dan. 8:26, 27).

What was the import of the confirmation made to Daniel in Daniel 8:26?

The vision of the "evening and morning" refers to the vision of prophetic

time in verse 14. Gabriel does not think it is necessary to elaborate on it because

it refers to a time period that would go far beyond Daniel's day. "It shall be for

many days" (verse 26). In fact, on the principle of a day standing for a year in

prophetic time, it would cover the 2300-year period from 457 B.C. to

1844

A.D.

(See chart in section

of the next lesson.)

Daniel was told to "shut up" the vision, not in the sense that the entire vision

would be sealed so that none would understand it, but with the understanding

that parts of the vision would remain sealed until future events would throw light

on them. Daniel's reaction indicated strong concern and surprise. What do you

think surprised him? Was it the extent of the wickedness that would arise in later

years? Was it that God would permit such wickedness to increase and prosper?

Was it the length of time that the sanctuary and the host (verse 13) would be

trodden under foot? He does not tell us. No doubt the time element would be

prominent in his thinking. But he would not know when to begin the calculation.

He says that "none understood it," which suggests that those with whom he had

shared his vision could not explain the one element that Gabriel had not yet

interpreted.

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Read

The Great Controversy,

pp.

409, 410, 421, 422.

SUMMARY:

Again Daniel had been given an outline of future events. The

outline would be easy to remember because it was given in pictorial form. As in

Daniel 2 and 7, one world empire would succeed another, until a power would

arise in direct opposition to God. It would appear to dominate for a while, per-

haps even for a long while, but in God's good time its end would come. Evil will

be destroyed and good will triumph.

APPLICATION:

It is for us to be sure that we are on the side of truth and

righteousness in every issue. When we are we can be certain that a future of

glory is assured to us. In response we need this week to thank God for His

revelations, and the manifestation of His grace, and share our assurance with

those about us.

Adult

Lesson

110

ORtiab

447

Keys to Understanding

THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Daniel 9.

MEMORY TEXT: "And ye shall seek me, and find me when ye shall

search for me with all your heart " (Jer. 29:13).

CENTRAL THOUGHT:

If we study the Scriptures diligently, pray earnestly

for ourselves and for others, and recognize our weaknesses and failures, God

will be gracious to us as He was to Daniel, and we will gain confidence in His

leading and guidance.

OVERVIEW: Daniel 9

Verses 1-19

Bible Study and Prayer

Verses 20-27

God Hears and Answers Prayers

Searching the Scriptures—

vss. 1, 2

A prayer of confession—

vss. 3-15

Intercession for the sanctuary

and for God's people—vss. 16-19

An immediate answer to prayer—

vss. 20-23

The time element: 70 weeks—

vss. 24, 25

The work of the Messiah—

vss. 25-27

INTRODUCTION:

Approximately eleven years had passed since Daniel had

been given the vision that he recorded in chapter 8. He had been told, "Shut thou

up the vision; for it shall be for many days" (verse 26). But Daniel still was

anxious to understand what the long time period meant. Particularly as they

approached the predicted end of the 70 years of captivity he was anxious to learn

how and when his people would be released from captivity.

Great changes had taken place since he had the last vision. Babylon no longer

existed as a world empire. Medo-Persia had taken over, and Darius the Mede

ruled in Babylon. Daniel may have asked himself: What next? What about Jeru-

salem and the temple? When and how will my,people be released from captivity?

Although Daniel was a busy man of state, carrying heavy responsibilities, he

still had time—and he probably had to make time—to study the Scriptures avail-

able to him.

I. BIBLE STUDY AND PRAYER (Dan. 9:1-19).

Summarize what Jesus had to say in Matthew 4:4 about the importance

of God's Word.

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Lesson

Jesus was quoting from Deuteronomy 8:3. The children of Israel had been led

out of Egypt and given manna to eat in order that they might learn how depen-

dent they were on God's providences. When we are in favorable circumstances

we sometimes forget to seek first the kingdom of God. Then God calls us back to

a realization that the material things of life are secondary in importance.

Searching the Scriptures (Dan. 9:1, 2).

Daniel says that he "understood by books" the prophecy he was studying

so intently. What book or books of the Bible would he have meant? What

sacred writings were available in his day?

There were the books of Moses, the writings of the prophets such as Samuel,

Nathan, and Gad who kept a record of historical events in the experience of

Israel. There were court records about the kings and their reigns. Daniel would

know quite a bit about the history of his people. There were the writings of

prophets living in his time, such as Ezekiel and Jeremiah. He quoted Jeremiah

and must have been in close contact with Ezekiel and his prophecies. Ezekiel

mentions Daniel in tones of deep respect. (See Eze. 14:14, 20; 28:3.)

How does Daniel 9:2 illustrate that Daniel recognized that the writings of

Jeremiah were inspired?

In what way was Jeremiah's prophecy of special interest to Daniel? Jer.

25:11.

Daniel was aware that the 70-year period rapidly was coming to a close. We

can understand his concern for the fulfilment of prophecy. But he also was aware

of the reason for the captivity and the state of desolation that characterized Jeru-

salem at that time. (See Jer. 25:8.) Did Daniel also wonder about the relation of

the 2,300 days of Daniel 8:14, and its relation to Jeremiah's prophecy? We are

not told so specifically, but Daniel knew that the time prophecy of Daniel 8 was

true (see Dan. 8:26), and that Jeremiah's prophecy came from God. Thus he

might well have wondered how the two prophecies could be reconciled.

In the face of his dilemma, what did Daniel proceed to do? Daniel 9:3.

A prayer of confession (Dan. 9:3-15).

How was the earnestness and sincerity of Daniel's prayer demonstrated?

Daniel 9:3.

Daniel's fasting was not undertaken in order to make his prayer more effec-

tive. God's ear always is open to our cry. Daniel's fasting grew out of his con-

cern. Probably he was so preoccupied with his praying and seeking to under-

stand God's purposes, that he did not feel hungry, did not want to take time out

to eat.

The use of sackcloth and ashes is an Eastern custom to indicate great sorrow.

It indicates a lack of concern for personal appearance or comfort.

READ what Jesus said about the Christian and his fasting in Matthew

6:16-18. Note also what is said about those who are proud of their religious

strictness in Luke 18:11-14.

What is significant about how Daniel addressed God in his prayer? Dan.

9:4.

For comparison, read Exodus 20:6 and Deuteronomy 7:9. Daniel obviously

was acquainted with the writings of Moses.

THINK IT THROUGH: How do we address God in our prayers and why do

we use the form of address that we do? (See Matt. 6:9; John 14:13, 14.)

Summarize in your own words Daniel's confession recorded in Daniel

9:5-15.

Daniel did not adopt a self-righteous stand. Although he had made some im-

portant decisions for God in his life, he still recognized that he was dependent

upon the Lord for his righteousness. (See Psalm 14:1-3.)

Daniel was specific in his confession. What fault does he point out in Dan-

iel 9:6?

Prophets are servants of God. Yet men and women have been slow to accept

the warnings and exhortations of those who have come with messages from God.

Why do you think this is so?

What three characteristics of God did Daniel specifically mention? Dan.

9: 7, 9.

3. Intercession for the Sanctuary and for God's People (Daniel 9:16-19).

Having confessed his own shortcomings and the sins of his people, Daniel

now turns to plead with God to have mercy on Jerusalem, the city where the

sanctuary is, and on God's people.

On what basis did Daniel make his plea for mercy? Dan. 9:16-19.

`According to all thy righteousness"

(verse 16). God's righteousness is not

merely an abstract quality of God's being. It is the way that God makes men and

women right with Himself—His way of righting wrongs. God had brought the

children of Israel out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand (verse 5). This was

a righteous act. Daniel pled that God would again act righteously in restoring

true worship in Jerusalem.

"For the Lord's sake"

(verse 17). Daniel asked that the captivity and all that

it entailed be changed so that God's name would be vindicated. He recognized

that the heathen world had a false conception of the power of God. This situation

had to be changed, so that the heathen would not suppose that it was by the might

of their own gods that they were victorious and that the children of Judah were in

captivity.

"For thy great mercies"

(verse 18). Daniel's plea was that God be merciful

because it is only through His mercy that favor can be shown.

"For thine own sake . . . for thy city and thy people are called by thy name"

(verse 19). Again Daniel's plea was based on God doing something to vindicate

His name, His character. Our only hope is in God's righteousness, mercy, for-

giveness, and willingness to save us from sin.

In his intercessory prayer Daniel threw himself on the mercy of God. It was

the only thing he could do. Having done this he was confident that God would

not let him or his people down.

Why does God sometimes seem to take a long time to effect changes?

2 Peter 3:9.

Many of us always seem to be in a hurry. We can see things only from our

limited persepective. But God sees the larger picture. He knows when it is best

to effect changes. Our concept of time is different from God's. We may think

that God sometimes is delaying. But actually, God is being merciful, giving

everyone ample time to repent and be saved. We should not complain about

apparent delays, but be thankful that God knows what is best and is in control.

WED

II. GOD HEARS AND ANSWERS PRAYERS (Dan. 9:20-27).

One of the blessings of life is that we are not left alone to struggle with diffi-

cult situations. We have a God who hears and answers prayers. Pause a moment

and recall the instances of answered prayer.

1. An Immediate Answer to Prayer (Dan. 9:20-23).

How swiftly did God make provisions for Daniel's prayer to be ans-

wered? Daniel 9:20, 21.

Daniel was so impressed with the immediacy of the answer to his prayer that

he repeats the expression, "whiles I was speaking." He adds the comment that

Gabriel was "caused to fly swiftly." Gabriel says, "At the beginning of thy

supplications the commandment came forth" (verse 23). God did not wait till

the end of the prayer before He took action.

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Lesson

In respect to prayer, what did Jesus urge His disciples to do? Matt. 7:7.

Why do prayers not have to be long? Matt. 6:8.

If God knows our every need, why should we pray? It is because of a relation-

ship we enjoy. Just as children go to their earthly parents and express their

wishes, even though the parents know very well their needs, so we approach our

heavenly Father, not to inform Him, but to express our relationship of love.

Daniel was confident in the presence of the heavenly visitor because he had

seen him before. Gabriel on his part seemed to be happy to convey to Daniel the

fact that he was "greatly beloved" (Dan. 9:22). Gabriel came to give Daniel

"skill and understanding" (Dan. 9:22). What a privilege it is to be taught of

God! By contrast, how miserable we feel when we are in the dark and do not

understand our situation.

2. The Time Element: 70 Weeks (Dan. 9:24,

25).

In the vision of Daniel 8, Daniel had been told of a period of 2,300 day-years.

But he had not been told when it would begin, although he was told that at the

end of that period the sanctuary would be cleansed. He knew that this part of the

vision was true, but that it was "for many days" (Dan. 8:26). He confessed that

neither he nor his companions understood it. Then Gabriel came to give Daniel

understanding. The understanding to be given had to be about something that

had not been previously understood. Note the expression: "Understand the mat-

ter and consider the vision" (Dan. 9:23). These words refer to the vision re-

corded in chapter 8.

What significant indication did Gabriel give about the time element?

Daniel 9:24.

The Hebrew word for "determined" appears in post-Biblical Hebrew with the

meaning "to cut," or "to cut off." This is its only occurrence in the Bible.

Context suggests that the period of 70 weeks was to be cut off from some longer

period of time, obviously the 2,300 days of Daniel 8. In this case, the 70 weeks

would be the initial section of the 2,300 days. If we know the beginning of one,

we know the beginning of the other.

When was this time element to begin? Daniel 9:25.

READ

Ezra 6:14. Note that the elders of the Jews did their building according

to the "commandment of the God of Israel," and the "commandment" of three

rulers: Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes. In other words, a number of forces came

together to effect the full rebuilding of Jerusalem, finally coming to fulfilment in

the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerxes. According to the

SDA Bible Com-

mentary

this places the date for the beginning of the 2300-year prophecy in the

late summer or early fall of 457 B.C. (Vol. 4, p. 853.)

How long a period of time is to be understood from the expression "sev-

enty weeks"?

Because a week is composed of seven days, 70 weeks would mean 70 sevens,

or 490 days. By applying the prophetic year-day principle, this would mean a

period of 490 years. According to research done in recent years by William H.

Shea the validity of the year-day principle can be established by three main lines

of evidence: "(I) general evidence: suggests that long periods of time were in-

volved in the fulfillment of these prophecies; (2) more specific evidence: indi-

cates that their time elements should be interpreted symbolically rather than lit-

erally; (3) most specific evidence: indicates that their symbolic time elements

should be interpreted on the basis of a year for a

day."—Symbolic

Studies on

Prophetic Interpretation—Daniel

and Revelation Committee Series, vol. 1

(Washington, D.C.: General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 1982), p.

56. Dr. Shea goes on to develop 23 biblical reasons why it is valid to assert that a

day in symbolic prophecy is the same as a literal year. The application of this

principle to prophecies involving such reckoning has proved so satisfactory in

fullment that many Bible scholars have no question about its validity. By exten-

sion, the 2,300 days of Daniel 8:14 represents a period of 2,300 years.

2300 Years

457 B.C.



70 Weeks (490 years)

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A.D. 34



1844 A.D.

A.D. 27



A.D. 31

years

69 Weeks (483 years) 70th Week (7 years)

(1810 Years)

What was to be accomplished in the 490-year period? Daniel 9:24.

Six purposes are mentioned:

To finish the transgression:

the first objective was to give the Jewish peo-

ple a fair chance to decide whether they would serve God, or their own selfish

purposes.

To make an end of sins:

Calvary was the final offering for sin, and the

levitical system of sacrifices came to an end.

To make reconciliation for iniquity:

that is, to make an atonement for sin,

another result of the cross.

To bring in everlasting righteousness:

when Christ took our place in death,

He made it possible for us to have His righteousness by faith.

To seal up the vision and the prophecy:

the fulfilment of the shorter 70-

week prophecy would assure the validity of the longer 2300-day prophecy.

To anoint the Most Holy:

to prepare the heavenly sanctuary for Christ's

high priestly ministry.

3. The Work of the Messiah (Dan. 9:25-27).

The time prophecy in Daniel 9 takes us to the time of Christ's first advent.

Gabriel adds the title

Prince

to the title

Messiah.

Jesus is a Prince, a King, and

King of kings. (See Rev. 17:14.)

What striking event did Gabriel say would happen to the Messiah after

the 69 weeks? Daniel 9:26, 27.

This certainly is not what a Jew would expect of a Deliverer. The disciples

under Christ's earthly ministry did not anticipate it, although Jesus warned them

about His death on a number of occasions. But Jesus fulfilled prophecy.

What would the Messiah do in the last week, the seventh week; and what

is the significance of what would happen in the midst of the week? Daniel

9:27.

Besides confirming the covenant, the Mesiah was to cause the sacrifice and

the oblation to cease. This was effected in symbolism when, as Jesus died on the

cross, the veil of the temple that separated the Holy from the Most Holy place

was torn from top to bottom, a‘graphic indication that the sacrificial system had

come to an end (see Matt. 27:5-I-)land that the ministry of Christ in the heavenly

sanctuary was about to begin.

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Read the chapter entitled "The

Kingdom of God Is at Hand" in

The Desire of Ages,

pp. 231-235.

SUMMARY:

Daniel had been confused by the time prophecy of the longer

2,300 days recorded in Daniel 8:14Searching the Scriptures for an answer, he

could only find Jeremiah's prophecy and added details that would surround the

coming and the death of the Messiah at a specific point in time.

APPLICATION:

God is not far from any one of us. But because of sin we are

far away from Him. However, if we diligently seek to know Him and His plans

for us, He will graciously reveal Himself to us. Note the promise in 1 John 1:7.

How will you relate to this promise this coming week?

NOTES:

Adult

Lesson

Michae0, Your Prince

THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Daniel 10.

SAB

MEMORY TEXT: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any

man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will

sup with him, and he with me" (Rev. 3:20).

CENTRAL THOUGHT:

In His love for Daniel, God gave him another vision.

Daniel was shown that, even in circumstances where we see nothing happening,

the forces of heaven are working for the accomplishment of God's purposes.

When "the curtain is drawn aside, . . we behold, behind, above, . . . the

agencies of the all-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsels of

His own

will."—Education,

p. 173.

Daniel 10: The Introduction to Daniel's Last Vision

Vss. 1-9

Christ Appears to Daniel

Vss. 10-21

Gabriel Speaks to Daniel

Daniel's fast (vss. 1-3)

Christ reveals Himself (vss. 4-6)

Daniel alone sees the vision

(vs. 7)

Daniel's reaction to Christ's

presence (vss. 8, 9)

Comforts Daniel (vss. 10,11)

Explains purpose (vss. 12-14)

Daniel's reaction to Gabriel's

presence (vss. 15-17)

Gabriel sets the stage for the

vision to follow (vss. 18-21)

INTRODUCTION:

Although two years or more had passed since his previous

vision, Daniel was troubled at this point in his experience and mourned for three

full weeks (Dan. 10:2). Why was he mourning? Could it be that the crisis his

people were undergoing in getting ready to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem was

weighing heavily on his mind and heart? If so, it shows that Daniel had a tremen-

dous concern for his people. When we see the church failing in its responsibil-

ities, or prominent leaders falling by the wayside, do we feel righteously

indignant, or do we mourn? Do we rise up and criticize, or do we pray for

forgiveness? Do we feel, as Daniel did, that what happens to the church happens

to us?

It was because of Daniel's concern that the vision we will study this week was

given him.

I. CHRIST APPEARS TO DANIEL (Dan. 10:1-9).

John the Revelator had a vision of Christ which he described at the beginning

of his book (Rev. 1:13-15). It was not the Christ of Nazareth, veiled in human

flesh, but the Christ who had been glorified.

Similarly, Daniel had a vision of Christ in His glory. In the same way that

Christ appeared to John to authenticate his visions and give courage to the aged

apostle, Christ appeared to Daniel to assure him of a heavenly presence and of

divine control.

1. Daniel's Fast and His Last Vision (Dan. 10:1-3).

Summarize in your own words the immediate circumstances of Daniel's

last vision. Daniel 10:1-4.

In the third year of Cyrus, Daniel would be approximately 88 years of age.

That might be one reason why he had not returned to Jerusalem under the decree

issued by Cyrus in his first year of rulership. Yet Daniel would be following

closely the response of his people to Cyrus's decree. Perhaps he was concerned

about the lack of response on the part of so many.

What three things did Daniel want his readers to be aware of about this

vision? Dan. 10:1.

1. It was

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The time was



The fact that the vision is true is not surprising to one who believes that God

can and does communicate with people. The statement is perhaps for those who

doubt. It is an assertion that demands a response; either the truth is accepted or

rejected. If it is rejected, the person rejecting must bear the responsibility. Nei-

ther is the fact that it covers a long period of time and gives us the outline of a

great conflict surprising to those who live in our present age and know of the

long history of the great controversy.

The fact that Daniel claimed that he understood it shows that understanding is

possible. The study of prophecy is not a futile task; there may be parts that are

not yet discerned clearly, but the general principle of the triumph of truth and

righteousness is unmistakable.

Predictive prophecy is outside the range of human capability, but it is not

impossible with God. His omniscience includes a knowledge of the future that

mystifies the human mind because it finds it difficult to grasp how there can be

foreknowledge without predestination. But this is a mystery like other mysteries

that must be apprehended by faith.

When and where was Daniel's last vision given? Dan. 10:1-4.

Daniel is quite specific as to the day and the month, but because we cannot be

sure whether he is using Babylonian or Jewish reckoning the year may be 536 or

535 B.C. In any case, his mourning must have taken place during the Passover

Feast. Whether the feast was observed by the Jews in exile is not known, but a

devout person such as Daniel would not have forgotten it. The Passover cele-

brated the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt. It is likely that Daniel

was wishing that the exiles might also celebrate their deliverance from the domi-

nation of their captors. But he also would be aware that God cannot deliver

people who are not willing to be delivered. Many of the Jews who had settled in

the land of their exile, had acquired property and position, and were not prepared

to undertake the dangerous journey to Jerusalem.

The vision was given Daniel when he was at the Hiddekel (Tigris) River.

Christ Reveals Himself (Dan. 10:4-6).

What Daniel saw as he lifted his eyes heavenward was the second person of

the Godhead revealing Himself.

SEARCH AND LEARN: Compare the description of what Daniel saw with

the vision of John the Revelator. Daniel 10: 5, 6; Rev. 1:13-15.

Daniel

Revelation

A certain man

vs. 13

Clothed in linen

vs. 13

Loins girded with fine gold

vs.



Eyes as lamps of fire

vs. 14

Feet like polished brass

vs. 15

Voice of a multitude

vs.



Study the vision of God described in Ezekiel 1:26-28. What do you recog-

nize as similar to the description found in Daniel 10?

A body like beryl, a face like lightning, eyes like lamps of fire, and limbs like

polished brass, all indicate a supernatural being. Have you noticed that the face

is the most important part of the appearance of anyone; that in the face, the eyes

catch the most attention? Flashing light and flames of fire suggest activity, so

that the Being seen in the vision was not like a statue. He was alive. He also must

be powerful, for lightning involves a massive force of electricity, and fire is

destructive of everything that is not as pure as gold. Being in such a Presence can

be frightening.

Add to all this a voice that sounds like the deep rolling voice of a multitude,

and the question is: Can any human being stand before such a Person?

Daniel Alone Sees the Vision (Dan. 10:7, 8).

Why do you think the vision affected Daniel's companions in the way

described in Daniel 10:7?

We are not told whether the people who were with Daniel were fellow Jews or

not. In any case, they did not see the vision, but they felt a presence. It was a

presence that frightened them to the extent that they ran to hide themselves.

4. Daniel's Reaction to Christ's Presence (Dan. 10:9).

Why did a godly man like Daniel react as he did? What was the reaction

of John the Revelator when he saw a vision similar to the one seen by Dan-

iel? Revelation 1:17.

Sin makes human beings unworthy to stand before a holy God. When we

compare ourselves with others we may feel quite good. (Such a comparison

always is dangerous. (See 2 Cor. 10:12.) But when we stand before God we

immediately are aware of our unworthiness.

II. GABRIEL SPEAKS TO DANIEL (Dan. 10:10-21).

Although Daniel reacted to the vision as any other godly person might, he was

not in a posture conducive to receiving the instruction and inspiration that he

needed. The angel Gabriel (see Dan. 8:16; 9:21) was sent to set matters right.

1. Gabriel Comforts Daniel (Dan. 10).

As Daniel was lying prostrate on the ground in a deep sleep but hearing

the words of the one who was speaking to him, what did the angel do and

what was the significance of his act? Daniel 10:10.

Do we realize the effect of a touch? If human touch can be comforting and

healing, what about an angel's touch? But the angel did more for Daniel; he

spoke to him.

The hand that touched Daniel set him on his hands and knees. It may be hu-

man to fall prostrate before a heavenly being, but when the heavenly being has a

message to give, it is no longer appropriate for a human being to remain in an

abject posture.

What was most comforting about the assurance the angel brought Dan-

iel? Daniel 10:11.

Daniel was told that he was a man "highly esteemed" (NIV). This must have

encouraged him to feel that he had nothing to fear. Daniel had been told this

before (see Dan. 9:23), but he needed to be assured of this again. All heaven is

interested in encouraging, not discouraging.

Gabriel informed Daniel that he had a message for him from heaven. He urged

him to stand up. Although still trembling, Daniel did so.

2. Gabriel Explains His Purpose for Coming (Dan. 10:12-14).

How long did it take for Daniel's prayer to reach the heavenly courts?

What were the concerns of that prayer? Daniel 10:12.

"From the first day."

There is no delay in reaching heaven. The astronomer

WED

MIN

may cause us to wonder at the vast distances between the earth and the planets.

The psalmist may be impressed with his smallness in relation to the universe.

(See Ps. 8:4.) But there are two truths that we must keep in mind: (1) that heaven

is very near to every one of us, and (2) that God is ready to come to the aid of the

least of His saints.

Daniel set his heart to understand. As children of God we want to know and

understand. Doing so involves time and energy, study and concentration. We

must set aside time for Bible study.

God is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. He has spoken to us through

His messengers, the prophets, and especially through His Son. When we are

thirsty we seek for a good source of waters, not for empty cisterns. (See Jer.

2:13.) How, then, can we explain why so many seem to go anywhere and every-

where for their answers except to the Bible and to those who preach from the

Bible?

Daniel 10:12 speaks of Daniel chastening or humbling himself. What does

this mean?

Here are some suggestions:

He recognized that as a human being he could not know all the circum-

stances involved in any situation. Therefore he could not hope to understand

fully why God acted as He did.

He knew that as a human being there could be many things that it would be

best for him not to know. He could not expect God to tell him everything!

He recognized that God does not treat us as servants, but as friends. He

does let us know as much of His plans and purposes as He sees that it is best for

us to know.

What can we learn from the fact that, while Daniel was praying, signifi-

cant events were taking place in the kingdom of Persia? Daniel 10:13.

If the answer to Daniel's prayer had been delayed three weeks, it was not

because of distance involved or because of lack of desire to give an answer; it

was because of an important activity that took precedence over everything else.

This verse indicates a kind of activity that even now could be taking place in

many centers of government. It pulls a curtain aside and permits us to see that

unseen forces are at work to bring about desired ends. These forces may be good

or evil. Men may think that they are independent in action, but the fact is that

they are often urged one way or another by the forces of good and evil.

ILLUMINATION:

"While Satan was striving to influence the highest powers

in the kingdom of Medo-Persia to show disfavor to God's people, angels worked

in behalf of the exiles. The controversy was one in which all heaven was inter-

ested. Through the prophet Daniel we are given a glimpse of this mighty struggle

between the forces of good and the forces of evil. For three weeks Gabriel wres-

tled with the powers of darkness, seeking to counteract the influences at work on

the mind of Cyrus; and before the conflict closed, Christ Himself came to

Gabriel's aid. . . All that heaven could do in behalf of the people of God was

done. The victory was finally gained; the forces of the enemy were held in check

all the days of Cyrus, and all the days of his son Cambyses, who reigned about

seven and a half years.

"—Prophets and Kings,

pp. 571, 572.

The surprising element in the story is the length of time that it took to persuade

Cyrus to do what he ought to do. We think of God as all powerful. Can He not

secure results quicker than this? He could, if He were arbitrary in His control.

The amazing revelation made in the Bible is that God has given humanity free

will. He never violates that freedom. With remarkable patience He puts up with

our waywardness.

There also is wisdom in delay. As a result of the millennia of conflict between

good and evil it is obvious that sin must be destroyed. When sin is seen as it truly

is with all its disastrous consequences, no one will be attracted to it or want to

see it prevail. When God in His righteousness destroys the devil and all those

who take his side, there will be a mighty sigh of relief. God will be praised for

His goodness and love (Rev. 7:12; 11:17, 18; 12:10-12; 16:5, 6).

Who is the Michael of Daniel 10:13? Dan. 12:1; John 5:27, 28; 1 Thess.

4:16; Jude 9; Rev. 12:7.

"The name Michael . . is used only in instances where Christ is in direct

conflict with Satan. The name in Hebrew, signifying 'who is like God?' is at

once a question and a challenge. In view of the fact that Satan's rebellion is

essentially an attempt to install himself on the throne of God and 'be like the

most High' (Isa. 14:14), the name Michael is a most fitting one for him who has

undertaken to vindicate the character of God and disprove Satan's claims."—

SDA

Bible Commentary,

vol. 4, p. 860.



For how long is the vision to be relevant? Daniel 10:14.

If Daniel had thought that the conflict between truth and error, between God's

people and the heathen, between true and false worship, was soon to end, he

would now be disillusioned. How often our concerns are limited to our own

times, our own generation! But the scope of the plan of salvation is vast. We

must learn to accept God's persepctive, to recognize that many more are in-

volved in the conflict than ourselves. Only thus can we be saved from the disap-

pointments of apparent delays.

3. Daniel's Reaction to Gabriel's Presence (Dan. 10:15-17).

What happened to Daniel when he saw Gabriel? How was the problem

resolved?

Verses 15-17.

Daniel apparently was sick at heart as he began to realize that the vision he

was receiving had to do with events in the long future. He bowed his head and

became speechless (v. 15). Then the angel touched his lips and he was able to

describe his disappointed feelings (v. 16). How often have we allowed disap-

pointments to frustrate us and make us helpless, even to the extent of being

breathless? (v. 17). But in our moments of greatest weakness, God is present to

give us strength for the duties of life ahead of us. We must never doubt His

wisdom or love.

4. Gabriel Sets the Stage for the Vision to Follow (Dan. 10:18-21).

What further insight was Daniel given regarding the activity of the angel?

Daniel 10: 20, 21; 11:1.

Once again Daniel was assured that he was "greatly beloved," not because of

his weaknesses and strength, but because of being a child of God. God loves us

because He is our Creator, our heavenly Father, and He loves us whether we are

near or far. That truth should give us confidence, and help us respond in appre-

ciation, love, and obedience.

Gabriel had many duties to perform. Daniel was precious to God, but he must

not make unnecessary selfish demands. It is not that God is limited in what He

can do. But we must learn to bide our time, to trust in His care, and to let God

work out His purposes without insisting that He must do what we think needs to

be done. We are told that God will finish the work and cut it short in righteous-

ness (Rom. 9:28). It is not for us to fret and fume because things do not go our

way, and people refuse to do what we command.

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Study the following passages to

learn more about God's care for you:

Deut. 31:6



Eph. 3:20

Ps. 34:15; 46:1



Phil. 4:19

Isa. 43:2



Heb. 13:5, 6

Matt. 6:25-30



1 Pet. 5:7

SUMMARY:

In this lesson we have seen how a prophet in Babylon was con-

cerned that God's will should be accomplished. He fasted and prayed for three

full weeks. God graciously revealed Himself in the person of Michael or Christ,

to assure him of God's love and esteem. But heavenly forces always are at work

in the halls of government, seeking to work things out in the interests of God's

people. It takes time, because God respects the wills of even wicked men. But

we need never let delay worry us, or adverse circumstances frustrate us. The

outcome is never in doubt.

APPLICATION:

In view of what we have studied this week, what kind of

Christians ought we to be? How can we best witness to others that we trust God

with all that we have and all that we are?

NOTES:

A Prophecy Without

Symbols

THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Daniel 11:1-39.

SAB

MEMORY TEXT: "The Lord answered me, and said, Write the vi-

=v1

sion, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall

speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely

come, it will not tarry" (Hab. 2:2, 3).

CENTRAL THOUGHT: There comes a time when heresy and blasphemy can

no longer be tolerated. When God steps in, both His character and His saints will

be vindicated.

OVERVIEW: Dan. 11:1-39

Human Conflict

God's Faithful People

Medo-Persia—vss. 1, 2

Greece—vss. 3-13

Rome and the mystery of iniquity

—vss. 14-39

They know their God—vs. 32

They understand and teach

—vs. 33

They are helped and purified

—vss. 33-35

INTRODUCTION: In Daniel I 1:1 Gabriel informed Daniel of another aspect

of his activity. In the days of Darius the Mede the angel had been sent to support

the king against the prejudice and opposition that had arisen because of the

king's favorable attitude to the Jews. Darius's decree, recorded in Daniel 6:25-

27, could not have been popular in a predominantly heathen land. Gabriel let

Daniel know that Heaven had been working for the interests of God's people,

even though many of them may not have been aware of it.

Gabriel then gave Daniel a more detailed outline than he had previously been

given of what was to take place in the future. This time the kinds of symbols used

in previous visions were not used. Kings were referred to as persons, and they

went about their activities in the way that rulers usually do. Is this easier to

understand? That remains to be seen. Animal symbols, however strange, may be

much more easily remembered than a series of battles between powers to the

north and south of the Holy Land. But Inspiration has used this method here for a

purpose.

As in previous revelations, Daniel was given a review of what he had already

learned, that the Medo-Persian empire would be succeeded by Greece. But this

time he learned of three kings, and a fourth, who would be very rich and would

stir up Persia against Greece. Each prophecy adds something to the development

that was not known before. The Grecian empire would come to a sudden end.

Then there would be a series of struggles between the rulers of the north and

south. What would be the end? Michael would stand up. (See Dan. 12:1.)

I. HUMAN CONFLICT (Dan. 11:1-45).

A cursory reading of chapter 11 shows that the main opponents are the powers

of the north and the powers of the south. What needs to be remembered is that

the Holy Land, being in the middle, cannot avoid being caught up in the contest.

Daniel would be aware of this. His concern for his people and the Temple at

Jerusalem would mean that he would listen to the account of strife with great

anxiety; not because he would be concerned about the fate of either the king of

the north or the south, but because he knew that his people would be at the center

of the conflict.

Medo-Persia (Dan. 11:1, 2).

How many more kings would arise in Medo-Persia? What would be the

characteristic of the fourth? What would be his major policy? Daniel 11:2.

Commentators agree that the fourth king was Xerxes, called Ahasuerus in the

Book of Esther. That would mean that the three kings preceding him, (apart from

Cyrus who already was reigning at the time of the vision) would be Cambyses

the son of Cyrus, the False Smerdis, and Darius the Great.

This vision was given to Daniel in the third year of Cyrus (Dan. 10:1). There-

fore, it is not surprising that Babylon is not mentioned. Neither is it surprising

that the vision would go over in more detail some of the matters revealed pre-

viously. The prophecies of Daniel go back over the main lines of history, each

vision adding features not revealed before. As more detail is given the precise

fulfillment becomes more and more remarkable. These events were future to

Daniel's time. Only God could give such a revelation.

History tells us that Darius the Great attacked Greece, but was checked at the

Battle of Marathon in 490 B.C. Ten years later Xerxes, with a gigantic fleet and

over one hundred thousand men, once again led the Persians onto Greek soil.

But the Greek cities rallied to the threat. When the Persian fleet was destroyed in

the Bay of Salamis (480 B.C.), and the army was defeated in the Battle of

Plataea in 479 B.C., the Persian threat was ended forever. The way was open for

the counterattack that came when Alexander took over the reins of government.

Greece (Dan. 11: 3-13).

What aspects of the reign of Alexander are described in this prophecy?

Notice the details of how the general would come to his end and what would

happen to his empire. Dan. 11:3, 4.

Alexander's conquests were remarkably swift. They also were uniquely ex-

tensive. Having defeated Persian forces in Asia Minor Alexander seized Tyre

and Egypt. He then extended his reach, almost without restriction, as far as India

and made his headquarters in Babylon. But his rule was short-lived. He died

unexpectedly at the age of 33. After his death his realm fell prey to his greedy

officers. The contest finally developed into a battle between the Seleucid rulers

to the north of the Jewish state and the Ptolemies to the south. (See Dan. 11:5-

13 .)

History was to confirm the words of Scripture with remarkable accuracy. It is

no wonder that those who deny the supernatural want to place the writing of the

book of Daniel in the second century B.C. and suggest that the book was history

written in the form of prophecy. However, the book of Daniel gives every evi-

dence of having been written in the sixth century B.C. Prophecy not only is a

possibility; it is an actuality, a sure ground for trust and confidence in the God

whom we worship.

3. Rome and the Mystery of Iniquity (Dan. 11:14-39).

Although commentators differ as to when Rome appears as a power in the

prophecy of Daniel 11, they generally agree that Daniel 11:5-14 refers to con-

flicts between the Ptolemies in the south and the Seleucids in the north. Because

Rome features in the previous visions of Daniel as coming after Greece, we

would expect Rome to be mentioned in this prophecy. Some Adventist students

of this prophecy see Rome appearing for the first time in verse 16 but the

SDA

Bible Commentary

seems to favor the position that Rome is mentioned in verse

14 as the "robbers of thy people" (vol. 4, p. 869). Our design in this brief study

is to give the overall perspective and to leave the specifics for deeper study.

Although we will not deal with the specific application of every detail of these

prophecies we should look at some meaningful phrases, and try to understand

them:

raiser of taxes

(Dan. 11:20). Many commentators consider this is a refer-

ence to Caesar Augustus. If this is so, we certainly have come to a point in the

prophecy which refers to Rome. (See Luke 2:1.)

A vile person

(Dan. 11:21). It is believed that this is a reference to the emperor

Tiberius during whose reign Christ was crucified. It was said of him that he was

"an eccentric, misunderstood, and unloved person.

"—SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 4, p. 870. However, other commentators would attach the term to the medi-

eval papacy. (See Maxwell, C.M.,

God Cares

[Mountain View, CA: Pacific

Press Publishing Association, 1981], p. 283.)

Prince of the covenant

(Dan. 11:22). Undoubtedly this is Jesus Christ who

Was to "confirm the covenant with many for one week." Daniel 9:27. Jesus was

born in the days of the Romans (see Luke 2:1-7) and was crucified under Pontius

Pilate (See Luke 23:24).

The end shall be at the time appointed

(Dan. 11:27). This expression empha-

sizes that God has a timetable. Nothing takes place before its time. The expres-

sion is repeated in verse 29. History may seem to be a random set of circum-

stances, determined by the laws of cause and effect, but the Bible reminds us

that there is One who is in control. Nothing

against the holy covenant

(Dan.

11:28). Can you imagine how anyone can be opposed to a holy covenant? What

do you understand by "Holy covenant"? What is God's new covenant? (See Jer.

31:31-33.) Daniel refers to those who "forsake the covenant" (Dan. 11:30).

THINK IT THROUGH: Is it not amazing that people can be so willful as to

go their own way and refuse to be guided by God's law? Why is this so?

Paul taught that the Christians of his day were not to expect the second coming

of Jesus until "that man of sin be revealed" (2 Thess. 2:3). Another term he used

for this power is "mystery of iniquity" (verse 7).

What characteristics identify this power that would arise after the gospel

age and before the second coming of Jesus? 2 Thess. 2:3-10.

Paul says that there will be a "rebellion" before the second coming of Christ.

It will be headed by "the man of lawlessness" (verse 3, RSV), one who is

"doomed to perdition" (verse 3, NEB). He claims many of the prerogatives of

God. This language reminds us of Daniel 11:36, and suggests that Paul and

Daniel are referring to the same phenomenon. It was to appear after the apostolic

age. Paul says: "Let no one deceive you" (2 Thess 2:3). Daniel says the people

who know their God "shall stand firm" (11:32, RSV). We need not be deceived

by the "mystery of iniquity" because we have been forewarned.

Paul says that the lawless one will be destroyed by the second coming of

Jesus. (See 2 Thess. 3:8.) But in the meantime this "mystery of iniquity" op-

poses every god, whether real or unreal, tears down every object of true wor-

ship, and exalts himself higher than any other being. He even sits in the place

dedicated to the worship of God as though he were God Himself.

Why must we be on our guard constantly in these last days of time to keep

from being deceived by subtle philosophies that undermine the moral truths

established by God's law? Matt. 24:24.

What terminology that Daniel used was repeated by Jesus when He

warned the disciples about the future? Daniel 11:31; Matt. 24:15; Mark

13:14. In what way does His use demonstrate that this prophecy applies

after His day?

It is to be noted that Jesus refers to the abomination that brings desolation as

occurring future to His time. That means that those who would apply this proph-

ecy to the time of Antiochus Epiphanes are not allowing Scripture to interpret

itself. Matthew 24 contains prophecies that have an obvious dual application,

applying to the time of the fall of Jerusalem as well as to later events. The papacy

was not only to usurp the prerogatives of true worship but also would become a

persecuting power, as church history attests. In that sense it is prefigured in this

Prophecy.

Jesus did have the destruction of Jerusalem in mind when He warned the disci-

ples of future difficulties. He was specific in indicating that those "in Judea"

should flee to the mountains. The Gospels of Matthew and Mark indicate that the

prophecy of Daniel needs to be studied and understood. There would be more

than one occasion when the evil one would take over the reins of government

and God's people would be advised to flee.

WED

II. GOD'S PEOPLE ARE OVERCOMERS (Dan. 11:32-35).

Although the prospects of a world that has forsaken truth and righteousness is

frightening, God's people are not dismayed.

1. They Know Their God (Dan. 11:32).

While many will be deceived and corrupted with flatteries, what is it that

will enable the faithful to remain strong and firm in their convictions? Com-

pare Dan. 11:32 with John 17:3.

Consider the following truths:

To know God is not merely to know about God. We may know many

things about God, as Satan and his evil angels do, but that knowledge by itself

can only make us tremble. (See James 2:19.)

We may know all that God requires us to know, and yet not know God in a

personal sense. On the contrary, those who know their God are those who have

made a full commitment to Him and have accepted all of God's expressed will as

their standard of conduct.

REVIEW how, in the incident recorded in Daniel 1, young Daniel refused to

be defiled by anything that might be served at the king's table.

Those totally committed to God would rather die than worship a false God.

Following Daniel's example, they agonize with God in prayer and know what it

means to receive answers. They have felt the power of God in their lives—the

power of regeneration and the work of the Holy Spirit in sanctification.

THINK IT THROUGH: What other characteristics of those who know

their God can you think of?

ILLUMINATION:

"Amid the gloom that settled upon the earth during the

long period of papal supremacy, the light of truth could not be extinguished. In

every age there were witnesses for God—men who cherished faith in Christ as

the only mediator between God and man, who held the Bible as the only rule of

life, and who hallowed the true Sabbath. How much the world owed to these

men, posterity will never know. They were branded as heretics, their motives

impugned, their characters maligned, their writings suppressed, misrepresented

or mutilated. Yet they stood firm, and from age to age maintained their faith in

its purity, as a sacred heritage for the generations to come."—The

Great Con-

troversy,

p. 61.

2. They Understand and Teach (Dan. 11:33).

Life can be full of questions: Why are we here? What are we heading for? We

cannot be satisfied to live in a state of ignorance.

If we are seeking answers to life's questions, where do we go for informa-

tion? If we already have found the answers to life's questions, what obliga-

tion do we have to those who still do not know the answers? Daniel 11:33.

Christians have a source of information that is invaluable—the Word of God.

It tells us where we came from and where we are going. It tells us what we must

do if we desire life. It tells us how we can have wisdom—we are to ask God for

it. (See James 1:5, 6.)

The wise man stresses the importance of wisdom this way: "Wisdom is the

principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get

understanding" (Prov. 4:7). The psalmist says that the "fear of the Lord is the

beginning of wisdom" (Ps. 111:10). Jesus contrasted the wise and the foolish

virgins in Matthew 25: I -13. He urged that all should watch, because there is one

thing that no one knows—that is the time of Christ's coming.

Those who are wise do not selfishly keep their wisdom to themselves. They

share it with others. It was God's plan and purpose that the children of Israel

would share their laws with others. Then the nations would say: "Surely this

great nation is a wise and understanding people" (Deut. 4:6). God is glorified

when His people are blessed because they know and keep His commandments.

3. They Are Helped and Purified (Dan. 11:33-35).

What does Daniel say will happen to God's people when they pass

through bitter persecution? Daniel 11:33-35.

God's people are not promised a bed of roses. Persecution will involve real

hardship. Yet in their deepest trials they will not be left alone. (See Matt. 28:20.)

Daniel says that they will receive some help. What kind of help do you suppose

this will be? How did Jesus feel when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane? In

the case of the disciples Jesus recognized that the "Spirit is willing, but the flesh

is weak" (Matt. 26:41). We need always to watch and pray, for we never know

when we shall find ourselves in trying circumstances. One thing is certain. Per-

secution brings a great test, and those who survive it are purified. The proper

response to persecution is not to complain or find fault, not to resist and curse,

but to bless those who are so cruel and unjust. (See Rom. 12:14.)

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

What do the passages that follow

teach us about knowing God better? Deut. 4:29; Job 22:21; 2 Pet. 3:18?

SUMMARY:

The eleventh chapter of Daniel is perhaps the most fascinating and

most challenging of the chapters in Daniel for us to study. Next week we will

study verses 40-45, much of which must be considered unfulfilled prophecy. To

attempt to explain all the details of unfulfilled prophecy can only lead into specu-

lation. Commenting on the speculation involved in interpreting these verses in

Daniel 11, James White wrote: "Here we should tread lightly, and take position

carefully, lest we be found removing the landmarks fully established in the Ad-

vent movement."—Review

and Herald,

Nov. 29, 1871. The revelations of dif-

ficult times ahead should not surprise us. They warn us that we must not be

carried away by miracles, flatteries, or false pretensions.

APPLICATION:

Should we not pray that God will make us faithful witnesses

for Him wherever He has placed us? Take time to pray for yourself and your

family as you look to the future.

113

The Tame of the End

THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Daniel 11:40-12:13.

MEMORY TEXT: "And they that be wise shall shine as the bright-

ness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as

the stars for ever and ever" (Dan. 12:3).

CENTRAL THOUGHT: How we would like to gaze into God's crystal ball,

and figure out the future! But prophecy is not given to satisfy curiosity. Proph-

ecy is best understood after it has been fulfilled. Nevertheless, we should keep

our eyes and ears open, and watch the scenes taking place around us in order to

see how God is working to bring about earth's coming climax.

OVERVIEW: Dan. 11:40-12:13

The Time of the End-11:40-45

The Great Deliverance-12:1-13

Kings north and south

Countries involved

The end of the conflict

Michael and the time of trouble

Two resurrections

Epilogue

INTRODUCTION: A remarkable amount of detail can be found in Daniel's

last prophetic vision that began in chapter 10. Those who study history carefully

will be able to follow the marvelous fulfillment of these prophetic statements.

But the end must come, and in this lesson we see who, where, and what are the

factors and elements in the closing scenes of history.

Ever since the fall of our first parents we have seen the conflict between truth

and error, those who are on God's side and those who have chosen to oppose

God. At times the forces have seemed unequal, and the forces of evil seem to

have prevailed. But God still is in control. Although He is patient with evildoers,

He has a timetable. The time will come when sin and sinners will be destroyed.

We now study what the end events will be and what the final outcome will

involve.

I. THE TIME OF THE END (Dan. 11:40-45).

What warning did Jesus give about times and seasons? Matt. 24:33;

Mark 13:28; Acts 1:7.

We often are anxious to know exactly when something will happen, but such

knowledge is not always best for us. We have been told to watch for signs, and

from the signs we may judge when an event is near.

7743

The fact that we do not know when an event will take place does not mean that

God does not know. In the book of Daniel it has been made clear that God has

plans and purposes that He is working out with great patience.

1. Kings North and South (Dan. 11:40).

The last direct reference in this prophecy to the kings of the North and South

was in Daniel 11:15. As we come to the end of time, they are mentioned again.

Who initiates the attack, and what is the success of the counterattack?

Daniel 11:40.

Commentators are not agreed as to the identity of these two kings. Uriah

Smith associated the king of the North with Turkey and the king of the South

with Egypt. He saw the fulfillment of these verses in the political conflicts in-

volving France, Turkey and Egypt after 1798. James White and many current

Adventist scholars associate the king of the North with the Papacy, drawing a

parallel between the king of the North and the little horn power of Daniel 7.

One thing is certain, nothing is gained by dogmatism and controversy. In such

areas of unfulfilled prophecy we must tread humbly and softly. It is our responsi-

bility to study the Scriptures for ourselves, to ask for the guidance of the Holy

Spirit, to submit our understandings to those in the church who are able to judge

our findings, and then to abide by the decisions of the church in order to maintain

the unity of the church. Whoever may be the kings of North and South, it is

obvious that they are in conflict. There is attack and counterattack. That reminds

us that Jesus said there would be wars and rumors of wars. (See Matt. 24:6.) As

long as there is sin in the world there will be greed and thirst for power.

Jesus also said that there would be false christs in the time of the end. (See

Matt. 24:23, 24.) We may expect to live in times when there will be religious

controversy and many Satanic deceptions.

What is the only safeguard against deception? 2 Peter 1:19; 3:17, 18.

•

2. Countries Involved and Aligned (Dan. 11:41-43).

The prophecy is very specific regarding countries that are involved in the con-

flict, although the countries mentioned may have symbolic meaning in our time.

What are the countries or peoples that are named as being involved in the

conflict between the two kings? Dan. 11:41-43.

The "glorious land" is invaded. The "fairest of all lands" (NEB). "The

Promised Land" (GNB). Most commentators agree that this is the land that was

promised to the children of Israel, a land "flowing with milk and honey."

It is because the Holy Land is mentioned in this closing prophecy of the

eleventh chapter of Daniel that the Middle East must always be a subject of

interest to Bible students. Can we link what happens there with the prophecies of

Daniel? Who is the invader? Perhaps we see in this prophecy that there will

never be peace in the Middle East. It will always be an area of contention.

Vie Vem COD Old



Zhu& 23

Lesson

Three peoples are mentioned who live on the other side of the Jordan: Edom,

Moab, and the children of Ammon.

Edom,

the land of the Edomites, the descendants of Esau, lies to the south-

east of the Dead Sea. The capital was Sela, otherwise known as Petra, or "the

rose-red city half as old as time." Those who have visited the place have been

impressed with its rocky formations.

Moab,

the land of the Moabites, is east of the Dead Sea and north of Edom.

Balak, king of Moab, asked Balaam to curse the children of Israel as they were

approaching the promised land. It was when the children of Israel settled close to

the Moabites that they were seduced by Moabite women to worship idols.

Ammon and Ammonites.

These were people who lived north of the

Moabites and were east of the river Jordan. Their capital was Amman, a city that

survives to this day. They were associated with the Moabites in inviting Balaam

to curse the children of Israel.

The last three areas listed above are united today under the rule of the king of

Jordan. In Daniel's prophecy these three areas "escape" out of the hand of the

king of the North. Here is a factor that must be taken into consideration when

seeking a fulfillment of the prophecy. Why would these territories "escape"?

Two other territories are mentioned in this prophecy: Libya and Ethiopia.

Libya lies west of Egypt in North Africa. Libya is identified in the Bible with Put

or Phut, the son of Ham. The Biblical Ethiopia is the country of Cush, a son of

Ham. It lies in the upper reaches of the Nile south of Egypt, including part of

what now is Egypt and part of Sudan.

According to Daniel's prophecy both these territories, Libya and Ethiopia are

to be involved in the fulfillment.

3. The End of the Conflict (Dan. 11:44, 45).

Every series of events has its logical conclusion. This series of conflicts also

have their end.

What causes the "king of the north" to gather great fury? What will he

do, and how does he come to his end? Dan. 11:44, 45.

In interpreting prophecy that is to be fulfilled in the future we cannot be dog-

matic. Nevertheless it is important to know what factors to look for and how to

evaluate any suggestions for fulfillment. We do well therefore to be acquainted

with the details, so that we shall not be led astray by false solutions, or false

interpretations.

One of the factors to look for is "tidings from the east and north" (verse 44,

RSV). From the standpoint of the Holy Land invading armies came from the

north, although their origin was sometimes from Babylon, geographically in the

east. The sixth plague involves the drying up of the river Euphrates to prepare

the way for the "kings of the east." (See Rev. 16:12.)

The "king of the north" plants the "tabernacles of his palace between the seas

in the glorious holy mountain." Many feel that this is a reference to Jerusalem.

At the present time Jerusalem is the holy city of three religions. Our eyes are on

Jerusalem, not only because of its historical connections, but because of this

event that will usher in the end. Contrary to all normal developments, the power

TRUE

that in the future will set itself up in Jerusalem will come to its end and there will

be none who can come to the rescue. Bible scholars everywhere are watching to

see what will happen next in the Middle East. As soon as such an event takes

place as the setting up of headquarters in Jerusalem, we may expect the final

winding up of earth's history. The name Jerusalem means "city of peace."

Could it be that a false prince of peace will seek to take over what belongs to the

true Prince of Peace? It is true that the world is longing for peace. But only too

often the world follows the wrong pathway to peace. Peace is not gained by the

dominance of power. Peace can be gained only with the knowledge of sins for-

given, and by accepting in the life the only one who can bring peace, Jesus

Christ. (See John 14:27.)

II. THE GREAT DELIVERANCE (Dan. 12:1-13).

Although history is full of wars and conflicts, Daniel's prophecies reveal that

there will be a conflict to the end of time. However, the time is sure to come

when God will put an end to sin and violence.

1. Michael and the Time of Trouble (Dan. 12:1).

It is when the powers of evil seem to be gaining complete control of events on

earth and God's people seem to be overwhelmed that God intervenes on behalf

of His saints.

Who changes the course of history at the end of time? What difficult cir-

cumstances accompany these changes? Dan. 12:1.

Michael is another name for Christ. He is the One who fought with Satan and

drove him out of heaven. He is the One who will destroy Satan at the end.

When the power of evil sets up its headquarters in the Promised Land (Dan.

11:45) as if to say that it has taken over the kingdom of heaven, then the true

Christ will stand up. Christ's coming will be as visible as the lightning that

shines from the east to the west. A cataclysmic event will mark the time when

the kingdoms of this world become the Kingdom of Christ. (See Rev. 11:15.)

Daniel refers to Christ as the "great prince which standeth for the children of

thy people" (Dan. 12:1). Daniel's people were the Jews, those to whom had

been entrusted the oracles of God. (See Rom. 3:2.) Their true children would be

those who had accepted Christ as their Saviour. (See Gal. 3:9.)

Before the controversy is over on the earth there will "be a time of trou-

ble such as never was" (Dan. 12:1). Why will there be such a time of trou-

ble?

Consider the following reasons:

The devil is not going to give up without a struggle.

The devil steps up his efforts when he knows that his time is short ( 1 Pet.

5:8).

Although Jesus has promised to be with His people unto the end of the

world (Matt. 28:20), He has not promised that there will not be persecution. (See

John 15:20.) Paul reminded Timothy that the godly will suffer persecution of one

kind or another.

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Lesson

4. Daniel's prophecies point to the fact that the wicked hate the righteous.

What will the time of trouble be like?

The following outline is based on

The Great Controversy,

pp. 613-634:

The Gospel has been preached to all the world, and the time of the end has

come. Matt. 24:14.

Those who have accepted the Gospel message and have proved faithful to

God's laws are sealed with the seal of God.

Probation is closed and no changes can be made. Rev. 22:11.

The evil forces have no restrictions placed upon them; there will be no

mercy shown anyone.

The saints are accused of being the ones through whom judgments have

fallen on the earth.

The time of trouble is soon to open upon us. The crowning act will come

when "Satan himself will personate Christ"

(The Great Controversy

p. 624).

What can we do

now

to prepare for the time of trouble?

Some suggestions:

We must accept God's plan of salvation fully.

We should place ourselves "in a proper light before the people, to disarm

prejudice, and to avert the danger which threatens liberty of conscience."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 616.

We must accept God's promises that if we have confessed our sins He will

forgive them. (See 1 John 1:9.) We must confess every sin.

We must not let Satan lead us to suppose that God will overlook unfaithful-

ness in the minor affairs of life.

We must study the Scriptures so that we shall not be deceived by the wiles

of the devil. "Only those who have been diligent students of the Scriptures and

who have received the love of the truth will be shielded from the powerful.delu-

sion that takes the world captive."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 625.

2. Two Resurrections (Dan. 12:2, 3).

How does Daniel describe death, and what two contrasting classes of peo-

ple are to be raised in a special resurrection? Dan. 12:2.

"All who have died in the faith of the third angel's message come forth from

the tomb glorified, to hear God's covenant of peace with those who have kept

His law. 'They also which pierced Him' (Revelation 1:7), those that mocked and

derided Christ's dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of His truth and

His people, are raised to behold Him in His glory and to see the honor placed

upon the loyal and obedient."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 637.

The Scripture teaches that there is a resurrection of the body. There is the

possibility of enjoying life throughout eternity, if the right decisions are made in

this life. There is also an execution of judgment that awaits those who reject

God's offer of mercy. (See John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15.)

Paul makes it clear that the resurrection of the righteous is linked to the resur-

rection of Christ. Because Christ rose from the dead, the Christian can look

forward to a resurrection. (See 1 Cor. 15:13, 14.)

Death is likened to sleep by Jesus. (See John 11:11-14.) To be raised is to be

awakened out of sleep. But for the Christian being awakened in the special resur-

rection or at the second coming of Jesus involves a change. (See I Cor. 15:51,

52.) Furthermore, Jesus said He was the resurrection and the life for every be-

liever. (See John 11:25, 26.)

What part can you and I have in ensuring that we shall be among those

who are raised in the first resurrection? Dan. 12:3.

Shining is a figure of speech that indicates achieving honor and glory. Not

everyone rises to points of excellence. In a race or other athletic event only one

receives the "gold." But in the Christian race all run and all may win. Yet

discipline and effort are involved. (See 1 Cor. 9:24-27.)

3. Epilogue (Dan. 12:4-13).

As we reach the end of our study of the book of Daniel we find Daniel's last

words. Last words often are quite important. This clearly is the case with what

Daniel wrote.

What important emphasis do we discover as we read the last few verses of

the book of Daniel? Dan. 12:4-13.

Some suggestions:

The book is to be shut up and sealed till the time of the end. Why? For one

thing, prophecy is best understood when it is fulfilled. Daniel's prophecies reach

down to the end of time, some 2,500 years since his day. If Daniel could not

understand what was being revealed to him (see verse 8) how could anyone else?

Certainly the wicked would not understand. But the wise, those who receive

enlightenment from God, would understand after the passage of time had

brought fulfillment. At the time of the end the book would be opened and there

would be an upsurge of the study of prophecy. (See Rev. 10:2.)

Many shall run to and fro.

Commentators suggest that this refers more to

the study of the prophecy than to an increase of travel from one point of the earth

to another. Increase in knowledge means the understanding of the prophecies

rather than the increase in scientific endeavor and discovery.

Once again Daniel sees the One who was described in Dan. 10:5, Christ.

The Lord assures Daniel that what Daniel has seen and heard is true. He con-

firms it with an oath.

Daniel asks a question regarding the end of all things, and is told to go

about his business. Sometimes we want to know more than is revealed. We have

to control our curiosity, but always seek to understand what is revealed.

Blessed is he that waiteth

(Dan. 12:12). Blessed are those who have pa-

tience when confronted with puzzles and problems within the realm of revela-

tion. It does us no good to invent solutions, or to fret about difficulties. If we are

wise, one day we shall understand.

Meanwhile Daniel was assured that he would rest and that he would stand in

his lot at the end of days. Could anyone be given a more satisfactory assurance?

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Lesson

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

If you have a copy available or can

secure a copy, read the section in the book

Testimony to Ministers

entitled "The

Study of the Books of Daniel and Revelation," pp. 112-118.

"The perils of the last days are upon us, and in our work we are to warn the

people of the danger they are in. Let not the solemn scenes which prophecy has

revealed be left untouched. If our people were half awake, if they realized the

nearness of the events portrayed in the Revelation, a reformation would be

wrought in our churches, and many more would believe the message. We have

no time to lose; God calls upon us to watch for souls as they that must give an

account. Advance new principles, and crowd in the clear-cut truth. It will be as a

sword cutting both ways. But be not too ready to take a controversial attitude.

There will be times when we must stand still and see the salvation of God. Let

Daniel speak, let the Revelation speak, and tell what is truth. But whatever phase

of the subject is presented, uplift Jesus as the center of all hope, 'the Root and the

Offspring of David, and the bright and morning Star.'

"—Testimonies to Minis-

ters,

p. 118.

SUMMARY:

In Daniel 12:9, the prophet is told to go his way. There was

doubtless a limit to what Daniel could grasp, given his time and circumstances.

We should recognize that there are limits to our own grasp of the full meaning of

these prophecies, too. The wicked certainly do not understand even the

elementary things; their minds are closed to truth. They cannot know it because

they will not. Some close their minds to the truth because they do not want to

change their ways. By contrast, the wise are those who recognize the source of

wisdom, and ask for it, and in their wisdom they are given insights which help

them see the goodness of God and His plan of salvation.

APPLICATION:

A brief series of lessons such as these cannot do justice to the

book of Daniel. The best that can be hoped for is that the lessons have stimulated

you to deeper and continued study of this tremendously important book. Not

only do you need to study for yourself in order to prepare for the momentous

days ahead, but you also need to study in order to be able to help your neighbors

and friends be ready before it is too late.

NOTES:

Lessons irov Second Quaveev, 1987

Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of the Adult

Lessons for the second quarter of 1987 will be helped by the following

outline in studying the first two lessons. The title of this series is "To

Seek and to Save."

Moist Lesson:

"JOY TO THE WORLD"

MEMORY TEXT: Luke 2:10, 11.

THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Luke 1:1 through 2:52.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: The joy surrounding the first coming of

Christ should echo in the hearts of those anticipating His second coming.

The Holy Spirit, who filled humble and devout people with joy and con-

fidence then, will fill us with joy and confidence today.

OUTLINE:

Signs, Songs and the Spirit (Luke 1:1-56).

II.

The Birth of John (Luke 1:57-80).

III.

Joy to the World (Luke 2:1-52).

Second Lesson:

"EXPECTATIONS FULFILLED"

MEMORY TEXT: Luke 4:37.

THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Luke 3:1 to 4:37.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: Jesus' example shows us that we are to be

baptized and points the way to the victory that we can gain over sin and

Satan.

OUTLINE:

Preparation (Luke 3:1-20).

II.

The Beloved Son (Luke 3:21-38).

III.

Victory (Luke 4:1-13).

IV.

The Kingdom Announced (Luke 4:14-37).

Lessons inillra100e:

The regular Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available free each month in Braille and

16 'A rpm records to blind and physically handicapped persons who cannot read normal

ink print. This includes individuals who because of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, paralysis,

accident, old age, and so forth, cannot hold or focus on normal ink-print publications.

Contact the Christian Record Braille Foundation. Box 6097, Lincoln, NE 68506.

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SPECIAL PROJECTS

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Union

Population

Churches

Church

Members

Sab. Sch.

Members

Central India

182,525,134

181

46,220

65,673

Northeast India

49,111,266

10,826

17,600

Northern

341,154,915

101

17,422

18,682

South India

112,391,632

382

57,604

55,303

Division totals

685,182,947

757

132,072

157,258

Statistics as of March 31, 1985